Twins' biggest season-to-season improvements

1965 (102-60) from 1964 (79-83): 23 more games won

What happened: SS Zoilo Versalles was AL MVP for an electric team that lost the World Series in seven games to the Dodgers.

1996 (78-84) from 1995 (56-88):22 more games won

What happened: Adding DH Paul Molitor (113 RBI) helped; Molitor and 2B Chuck Knoblauch both hit .341.

1962 (91-71) from 1961 (70-90): 21 more games won

What happened: Jim Kaat, 23, emerged as an ace pitcher; Harmon Killebrew had league highs with 48 HRs, 126 RBI.

1991 (95-67) from 1990 (74-88): 21 more games won

1969 (97-65) from 1968 (79-83): 18 more games won

What happened: New manager Billy Martin sparked the turnaround … and Killebrew had 49 HRs, 140 RBI.

2001 (85-77) from 2000 (69-93): 16 more games won

What happened: Youngsters such as Torii Hunter, Corey Koskie, Doug Mientkiewicz finally took big steps forward.

1987 (85-77) from 1986 (71-91): 14 more games won

2015 (83-79) from 2014 (70-92): 13 more games won

What happened: First-year manager Molitor, return of veteran Hunter showed what chemistry, leadership can do.

2006 (96-66) from 2005 (83-79): 13 more games won

What happened: Morneau (34 HRs, 130 RBI) was AL MVP; Johan Santana (19-6) won second Cy Young Award.

1984 (81-81) from 1983 (70-92): 11 more games won

1983 (70-92) from 1982 (60-102): 10 more games won