Another difference was that at the time we were .500 but had a +31 run differential. We're currently a game under with a +5. We've been about as bad as we've been. (Excuse the Yogi-ism)
10 seconds of Cubs talk... 1) Negotiations are "progressing, that's all I can say for now". 2) Financing is OK. 3) "I won't guess on timing right now." ...Nothing of interest.