CHICAGO — How much improved are the Chicago Cubs from last year’s team?
There’s a new manager (Joe Maddon), an infusion of young talent (hello, Kris Bryant), a knack for winning the close ones and a loose, upbeat clubhouse.
But numbers both broad and specific through Wednesday help illustrate the differences.
After 71 games the Cubs are 39-32, with a .549 winning percentage that was the third best in the National League and on a pace for 90 wins.
In 2014, the Cubs didn’t get their 39th victory until July 10.
Last year, the Cubs were 30-40 after 70 games and 12 1/2 games out of first on the way to a third consecutive fifth place division finish.
The Cubs have 30 of their first 70 games decided by one run this season, going 18-12. The number of one-run games and wins are the most in the majors.
They also had nine walk-off victories, also a major league-best.
This year’s Cubs are collectively batting .244, 10 points above last year. Their 587 runs are 25 more than 2014, they have eight more homers and 14 more RBIs.
Chicago’s slugging percentage is .391, compared to .375 last year and the on-base percentage stands at .319 after going .297 last year.