On this week's episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau is joined by guest cohost Jeremy Diemer of Wrigleyville Nation to discuss the Cubs' lacklust week against the Brewers and Mariners (2:06). The guys react to the Cubs' bullpen implosion and the struggles of Colin Rea (9:15) ahead of the return of Shota Imanaga to the team's rotation, and how this week's struggles put the team's trade deadline needs into sharp focus. (17:00). James then helps ease the nerves of Cubs fans a bit by discussing how the team's pedestrian June compares to other playoff contenders (20:25), and the guys rejoice in Sammy Sosa's return to Wrigley Field this week (26:00). The sad times roll again later as Matt Shaw's month to forget goes under the microscope, and the guys debate whether the team should seek a third baseman before the deadline (31:45). Finally, the Cubs' first series of the season against the Cardinals has finally arrived, and James and Jeremy share their predictions for the week ahead (43:00).

1:40 - Recapping Cubs week vs Brewers and Mariners

9:15 - Bullpen implosion and Colin Rea’s struggle

17:00 - How concerned are you about the Bullpen?

26:00 - Sammy Sosa welcomed back to Wrigley Field

31:45 - Is Matt Shaw the answer at third base?

43:00 - Lookahead at the Cubs schedule

On episode 3 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova recap the Cubs' week against the Phillies and Pirates, starting with Cade Horton’s showcase vs. Paul Skenes (7:05). As the Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to the Giants (21:25), the guys pinpoint the Cubs' biggest trade deadline needs (23:30). They also discuss a quirk in Shota Imanaga’s contract (34:45) and how Pete Crow-Armstrong has quietly built his skillset while he's stunned fans on the field. Finally, they debate the man on second rule in extra innings (41:30) and preview the upcoming week against the Brewers and Mariners (50:30).

0:00 - Intro

1:15- Happy Birthday to Billy Williams

4:45 - The week that was for the Cubs

7:05 - Breaking down Cade Horton’s showdown with Paul Skenes

14:00 - Crazy stats from the past week

18:50 - Ian Happ’s outing vs. the Phillies and the Pirates

21:25 - Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to the Giants

23:30 - Potential Cubs trade targets

34:45 - Shota Imanaga’s contract quirk

41:30 - Extra Inning rules

50:30 - Previewing the upcoming Brewers and Mariners series

On episode 2 of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova recap a potential World Series preview we witnessed as the Cubs and Tigers battled in Detroit. The guys skewer Nico Hoerner’s ejection Sunday afternoon (1:15) before pivoting to the Cubs’ stellar starting pitching of late (10:20) and Ian Happ’s recent struggles, as Michael Busch and Matt Shaw have surged forward (12:30). Later, they deliver injury updates on Shota Imanaga and Porter Hodge (25:00) before panning for gold in this week’s “Goin Prospectin’” segment (27:20). Finally, they discuss MLB All-Star voting (31:40), preview the Cubs’ series vs. the Phillies (38:15) and offer their takes on this week’s announcement paving the way for Jerry Reinsdorf to relinquish control of the Chicago White Sox (43:50). They end the episode by sharing their predictions for the Cubs next 7 games (52:00).

0:00 - Intro

1:15 - Nico Hoerner ejected from game vs. Tigers

7:30 - Nationals/Tigers series reactions

10:20 - Cubs Starting Pitching

12:30 - Michael Busch

14:30 - Matt Shaw

17:45 - Ian Happ

25:00 - Injury Updates

27:20 - Goin' Prospectin'

31:40 - MLB All-Star Voting

38:15 - Cubs vs. Phillies preview
43:50 - White Sox announcement about future ownership

52:00 - Cubs vs. Pirates preview