There has been some recent discussion as to whether this Cubs team is worse than the 70's.  I did some checking.  The worst 70's Cubs team record-wise was 1974.

In 1974, the winning percentage was .407 (66-96).  They hit .251 and slugged .365 while scoring 4.13 runs per game.

This year's team has a worse .382 winning percentage.  They are hitting better at .257 and slugging better at .388 but scoring less at only 3.92 runs per game.  The major reason for the difference, the 1974 version had an OBP of .326 while this year's team, a paltry .309!  

On the mound, the 1974 edition had a ERA of 4.28 and a Runs/Game of 5.10.  That team really allowed the unearned runs!  This years model has a worse ERA of 4.82 and is allowing a nearly identical 5.09 R/G.  

So bottom line, this team might only be better defensively.  In all other categories, this team could be considered worse.  In addition, the '74 Cubs started 5 regulars at 25 years or younger and had 4 starting pitchers at 26 or younger.  Billy Williams was the only player older than 31 so at least there was hope.

Incidently the 1974 team also changed managers during the season from Whitey Lockman to Jim Marshall.  

A final note, the 1980 team had a worse record  than 1974 at 64-98 (.395) but even that is better than this year's version.  Offensively 1980 was even worse than today's team (3.79 R/G) but better on the mound at 4.49 R/G.  This year's team has a significantly worse run differential.

Bottom-line, no matter how you want to look at it, this year's team rates up there with the worst teams that any of us can remember.