I think that trying to guage focus and mentality of a team is a lot like a booth commentator saying whether or not he agrees with a questionable move on the field, with the whole "if it works he's a genius, if it doesn't, he's an idiot." If the Cubs go on to win it all this year, then yes, they showed up to spring training more focused and more together, and everyone drove that extra mile in preparing for this momentous season. If the Cubs don't win it all this year, then there's no difference between this season's ST and the 98 before it.