9. 1970 Minnesota Twins (98-64)
The 1970 Twins, similar to the 1969 team, were attempting to break through an era dominated by the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Oakland Athletics. Those three teams made the World Series a combined nine times from 1969-1979, making it nearly impossible to capture the American League pennant.
The team was still very talented, however, and cruised into the playoffs behind Cy Young Winner Jim Perry and 3 other All-Stars (Perry, Rod Carew, and Tony Oliva), finishing with the third-best record in team history.
The team was best known for its’ dominant rotation, featuring Perry, Jim Kaat, and future Hall-of-Famer Bert Blyleven, but had capable hitters as well, with Oliva, Cesar Tovar, and an aging Harmon Killebrew leading a solid offense.
Because this was the 70’s however, the team once again faltered in the playoffs, getting swept by the Orioles in the first round, just as the 1969 team had the year prior. The failure to put together a solid postseason holds this team back in the rankings.