Jed Hoyer

The Fighting Illini have punched their ticket to Indianapolis as they are headed to the Final Four for the first time in 21 years.

I appreciate it.

So let's start with the big news of the week.

Whatever you can tell us, what was it about Pete Crow Armstrong that made you go to him now to lock him up long-term?

And what is it for the Cubs?

Because this is something that I think is a win-win for both sides.

You came here 15 years ago, Jed, and I can remember the tenor of Cub fans at that time.

You didn't really expect the best.

It was almost like you expected bad things to happen.

That certainly changed in 2016, and the evolution of the Cub fan has been in a constant state of change, I think, since then.

How would you describe, since you arrived, what the expectations have done in terms of changing?

And overall, does that make you somewhat immune to pressure in a season like this one?

How mixed were your emotions watching Daniel Palencia on the mound, closing things out for Venezuela and the world baseball classic.

And when will you know what kind of toll that may or may not have taken on somebody pitching in such a high leverage situation in March?

Talking with Jed Hoyer here on Mullinghaw on the score.

Jed, when you look at Cade Horton, last year, I think the limits and restrictions maybe on his pitch count and innings usage contributed to his efficiency, perhaps.

And you can make that argument, I believe.

This year, what are the restrictions if there are any?

What's the approach with a young pitcher who you want to stay healthy, you want him to go to the mound every fifth day, and yet...

you just want to be careful with somebody who is that valuable to this pitching staff.