On the sixth episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to discuss All Star Game selections (1:00), and debate whether Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch were snubbed after being left off the roster (9:50). Later, they break down the Cubs’ top-four prospects after a new MLB Pipeline ranking drops, (26:00) and bemoan Jameson Taillon’s injury and its impact on the rotation (37:30). Finally, they dissect Alvin Kamara’s rough first-pitch effort at Wrigley Field (47:20).

0:00 - Intro
1:00 - All-Star Game selections
8:15 - Rob Manfred using the “Legends Pick” for the ASG
9:50 - Should Seiya Suzuki have made the ASG over Kyle Schwarber
14:30 - Should they get rid of every team sends a player?
26:00 - Cubs’ top-four prospects break down
37:30 - Jameson Taillon injury
47:20 - Alvin Kamara

On this week's episode of Home Runs and Handshakes, James Neveau and Frank Nova are back to recap the Cubs road trip against the Cardinals and the Astros (2:30). They discuss the team's handling of Dansby Swanson's lineup spot (10:00), Shota's triumphant return to the rotation (13:30) and Ben Brown being sent to the minors. The guys then hand out their midseason awards for Most Surprising and Most Disappointing Cubs and more (22:00)! Finally, James and Frank peer into their crystal balls and make their bold predictions for the second half of the season (33:30) before paying tribute to the late Dave Parker (52:30).

0:00 - Intro

2:30 - Recapping the Cubs' road trip vs. the Cardinals and Astros

10:00 - Dansby batting cleanup

13:30 - Shota returns, Ben Brown heads to Iowa

22:00 - Mid-season awards

25:41 - most disappointing

28:50 - Favorite moment of the season so far

33:30 - Second half predictions

49:00 - All-Star Voting

52:30 - Dave Parker

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