MLB Power Rankings: Every MLB Team's Greatest Rotation of All Time

Hitting puts fans in the seats, but there is little question that it is pitching that wins championships and the Giants demonstrated that last season when they rode a terrific pitching staff to a title despite a less-than-impressive offense.

Throughout baseball history there have been some fantastic pitching rotations, and at the same time, there have been some great pitchers who never had the luxury of a good staff around them.

So here is a look at the best pitching rotation in the history of each MLB franchise, the one season when that team's pitching was the envy of the league or at the very least a formidable group.

Arizona Diamondbacks: 2001

Team Record : 92-70, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49 ERA, 372 Ks)

The most dominant pitcher in baseball at the time and one of the best to ever play the game, Johnson won the NL Cy Young while leading the league in ERA and strikeouts. He went on to go 5-1 in the playoffs including 3-0 in the World Series to take home MVP honors.

No. 2: Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98 ERA, 293 Ks)

Acquired in a midseason trade with the Phillies in 2000, Schilling led the league in wins and formed one of the greatest one-two punches in baseball history with Johnson. He finished second in Cy Young voting and went an equally impressive 4-0 in the playoffs. 

No. 3: Miguel Batista (11-8, 3.36 ERA, 90 Ks)

Batista split his season between the bullpen and rotation, making 30 relief appearances and 18 starts. He made six appearances and three starts in the postseason, going 1-1.

No. 4: Brian Anderson (4-9, 5.20 ERA, 55 Ks)

After winning 31 games in his first three seasons with the Diamondbacks leading up to 2001, Anderson struggled during the team's World Series season.

No. 5: Albie Lopez (4-7, 4.00 ERA, 69 Ks)

Acquired at the deadline in a desperate attempt to fill out the back of the rotation, Lopez was adequate in 13 regular-season starts, but awful in his three playoff outings.

Atlanta Braves: 1993

Team Record: 104-58, Lost in NLCS

Rotation

No. 1: Greg Maddux (20-10, 2.36 ERA, 197 Ks)

Coming off of a Cy Young season with the Cubs, Maddux signed a five-year, $28 million contract with the Braves and the legendary rotation was born. He won the second of his four straight Cy Young Awards in 1993. 

No. 2: Tom Glavine (22-6, 3.20 ERA, 120 Ks)

Always second fiddle to Maddux but a Hall of Fame pitcher nonetheless, Glavine set a career high for wins in 1993, the third straight year he led the league in victories. 

No. 3: John Smoltz (15-11, 3.62 ERA, 208 Ks)

While his record was not quite up to par with the first two guys here, Smoltz was an All-Star all the same and he finished second in the league in strikeouts. 

No. 4: Steve Avery (18-6, 2.94 ERA, 125 Ks)

You can take your pick on a number of Braves rotations being the best, but 1993 got the nod here because it was the best season of Avery's career and for that season the Braves had four legitimate aces. He fell off big time after this season, despite being just 23 years old in 1993. 

No. 5: Pete Smith (4-8, 4.37 ERA, 53 Ks)

Someone had to be the fifth starter here, and Smith was good enough in 20 appearances and 14 starts. The other six starts went to Kent Mercker, but he was wisely used primarily in the bullpen.

Baltimore Orioles: 1971

Team Record: 101-57, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Jim Palmer (20-9, 2.68 ERA, 184 Ks)

The ace of the Orioles staff throughout the 1970 season, Palmer was just 25 years old in 1971 as he won 20 games for the second of what would be eight times in his Hall of Fame career. 

No. 2: Mike Cuellar (20-9, 3.08 ERA, 124 Ks)

A late bloomer, Cuellar was in the third year of the best six-year stretch of his career as he would win 125 games from 1969-1974. The 34-year-old was an All-Star and the Orioles' top left-handed starter. 

No. 3: Dave McNally (21-5, 2.89 ERA, 91 Ks)

In the prime of his career, McNally won over 20 games for the fourth time in his career in 1971. He was the only pitcher on the staff to earn Cy Young consideration, finishing fourth in the voting. 

No. 4: Pat Dobson (20-8, 2.90 ERA, 187 Ks)

There are a handful of seasons to pick from in which the first three guys on this list had terrific seasons, but the 1971 season was made special when Dobson enjoyed a breakout season in his first year in Baltimore. The next season he led the league with 18 losses despite a 2.65 ERA, and he was traded the following season.

Boston Red Sox: 1912

Team Record: 105-47, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Smoky Joe Wood (34-5, 1.91 ERA, 258 Ks)

In a season that goes down as one of the best in baseball history, Wood threw a whopping 35 complete games including 10 shutouts. As good as the season was, that workload at the age of 22 is largely contributed to Wood's subsequent arm problems.

No. 2: Buck O'Brien (20-13, 2.58 ERA, 115 Ks)

A rookie the previous season at the age of 29, O'Brien threw 25 complete games of his own in 1912 in what would be his only full season in the league. He ended his career with 29 wins one year later.

No. 3: Hugh Bedient (20-9, 2.92 ERA, 122 Ks)

Another 22-year-old, Bedient enjoyed a terrific rookie season in 1912 as he gave the Red Sox a third 20-game winner. He played just four total seasons before being out of the league. 

No. 4: Ray Collins (13-8, 2.53 ERA, 82 Ks)

While he was never more than a back-of-the-rotation starter, Collins had an ERA under three in each of his first six seasons in the league. His best seasons came in 1913 and 1914, but he was still rock solid in 1912.

No. 5: Charley Hall (15-8, 3.02 ERA, 83 Ks)

The rare dead-ball team that used a five-man rotation, the Red Sox got a very good season from their fifth starter Hall, who made 20 starts and 14 relief appearances.

Chicago Cubs: 1907

Team Record: 107-45, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Mordecai Brown (20-6, 1.39 ERA, 141 Ks)

The ace of the Cubs staff, Brown is one of the most dominant starting pitchers in baseball history and his career 2.06 ERA is absolutely ridiculous.

No. 2: Orval Overall (23-7, 1.68 ERA, 107 Ks)

In just four full seasons with the Cubs, Overall had 70 wins and his best season came in 1907 as he led the team in wins and the league in shutouts with eight.

No. 3: Ed Reulbach (17-4, 1.69 ERA, 96 Ks)

Reulbach broke into the league with an 18-win season in 1905, and he would go on to win 135 games in eight seasons with the Cubs to open his career. He led the NL in win percentage in 1907.

No. 4: Jack Pfiester (14-9, 1.15 ERA, 90 Ks)

In just his second full season in the league, Pfiester led the league in ERA and while his career was a brief one, he was a very effective starter in his six seasons with the Cubs. 

No. 5: Carl Lundgren (18-7, 1.17 ERA, 84 Ks)

A solid back-of-the-rotation starter for the Cubs, Lundgren went 85-45 with a 2.20 ERA from 1902-1907. The 1907 season was the last full season of his career and also his best overall season.

 Note: Team ERA of 1.73 is an MLB record. 

Chicago White Sox: 1920

Team Record: 96-58, Second in American League

Rotation

No. 1: Red Faber (23-13, 2.99 ERA, 108 Ks)

A Hall of Famer who spent all of his 20-year career with the White Sox, Faber won 20 games four different times in his career on his way to 254 career wins.  

No. 2: Eddie Cicotte (21-10, 3.26 ERA, 87 Ks)

Cicotte spent the final nine seasons of his career with the White Sox, winning 156 games. The 1920 season was the last of his career and marked the third time in four years he won 20 games. 

No. 3: Lefty Williams (22-14, 3.91 ERA, 128 Ks)

Also in the final year of his career, Williams won 22 games despite an ERA+ of 96. He won 81 games in five years with the White Sox, including 45 over his final two years. 

No. 4: Dickey Kerr (21-9, 3.37 ERA, 72 Ks)

Following an impressive rookie season in 1919 in which he went 13-7 with a 2.88 ERA, Kerr improved in his second year, but his career would last just four seasons with 1920 marking the highlight of it.

Cincinnati Reds: 1923

Team Record: 91-63, Second in National League

Rotation

No. 1: Dolf Luque (27-8. 1.93 ERA, 151 Ks)

A solid pitcher who won 194 games throughout his 20-year career, Luque had far and away the best season of his career in 1923 when he led the NL in wins and ERA while topping the 20-win mark for the only time in his career.

No. 2: Eppa Rixey (20-15, 2.80 ERA, 97 Ks)

Acquired from the Phillies after a 22-loss season in 1920, Rixey went on to pitch until the age of 42 as he won 179 games in 13 season with the Reds. The 1923 season was one of three 20-win seasons he enjoyed. 

No. 3: Pete Donohue (21-15, 3.38 ERA, 84 Ks)

Donohue enjoyed a brief but impressive prime with the Reds, winning 15 or more games from 1922-1926 before falling off significantly at the age of 26. 

No. 4: Rube Benton (14-10, 3.66 ERA, 59 Ks)

Back for a second go-around with the Reds in 1923 at the age of 33, Benton spent the first five-and-a-half seasons of his career with the team. Clearly he still had something left in the tank.

Cleveland Indians: 1954

Team Record: 111-43, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Early Wynn (23-11, 2.73 ERA, 155 Ks)

A workhorse whose Hall of Fame career stretched 23 seasons and until the age of 43, Wynn was at his best during his 10 years with the Indians, winning 164 games, including 20 or more four times. He led the league in wins and innings pitched in 1954.

No. 2: Bob Lemon (23-7, 2.72 ERA, 110 Ks)

Lemon had a fairly short career considering he made the Hall of Fame, spanning just 13 seasons. However, in his nine full seasons in the rotation, he won 20 or more games seven times. He matched a career high for wins in 1954, while posting a career-best ERA.

No. 3: Mike Garcia (19-8, 2.64 ERA, 129 Ks)

Garcia enjoyed a terrific four-year stretch from 1951-1954, winning 79 games and making three All-Star teams. He dropped off significantly after that at the age of 31, but 1954 may have been his best season, as he won an ERA title.

No. 4: Art Houtteman (15-7, 3.35 ERA, 68 Ks)

With a career record of 60-76 with a 4.10 ERA coming into the 1954 season, Houtteman enjoyed the best year of his career to bolster an already-great staff.

No. 5: Bob Feller (13-3, 3.09 ERA, 59 Ks)

Most teams employed a four-man rotation back in 1954, but the Indians not only had a fifth starter but they had one of the best pitchers of all time wrapping up his career in that role. The 35-year-old Feller was still effective in his final full season, although not nearly as dominant. 

Note: Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser was a reliever for the team.

Colorado Rockies: 2009

Team Record: 92-70, Lost in NLDS

Rotation

No. 1: Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.47 ERA, 198 Ks)

Two years after helping the Rockies to the World Series as a rookie, Jimenez was the full-fledged ace of the Rockies staff. His 5.1 WAR was eighth among NL pitchers in 2009.

No. 2: Jason Marquis (15-13, 4.04 ERA, 115 Ks)

Acquired in a trade with the Cubs prior to the season, Marquis had a phenomenal first half going 11-6 and making the All-Star team. He left in free agency following the season.

No. 3: Jorge de la Rosa (16-9, 4.38 ERA, 193 Ks)

After struggling in Milwaukee and Kansas City, de la Rosa found a home in Colorado with a 10-win season in 2008 and he was even better the following season.

No. 4: Aaron Cook (11-6, 4.16 ERA, 78 Ks)

The ace of the staff in previous seasons, the 2009 season marks the last year Cook made a legitimate contribution to the rotation. He has gone 9-17 with a 5.35 ERA in the two years since.

No. 5: Jason Hammel (10-8, 4.33 ERA, 133 Ks)

Much like de la Rosa, Hammel struggled to find a role with the Rays before joining the Rockies. He then posted back-to-back 10-win seasons before struggling in 2011.

Detroit Tigers: 1968

Team Record: 103-59, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Denny McLain (31-6, 1.96 ERA, 280 Ks)

The last pitcher to win 30 games in a season, McLain took home both Cy Young and MVP honors for his phenomenal season. He would win 24 games the next season, but was an average pitcher for most of his career with a 76-76 record outside those two years.

No. 2: Mickey Lolich (17-9, 3.19 ERA, 197 Ks)

A solid starter in his 13 seasons with the Tigers, winning 207 games, Lolich made his mark on the 1968 season in the playoffs. With a 3-0 record and 1.67 ERA in three World Series starts, Lolich helped offset Bob Gibson beating McLain twice, then took Gibson down himself with a Game 7 gem.

No. 3: Earl Wilson (13-12, 2.85 ERA, 168 Ks)

A 22-game winner for the Tigers the previous season, Wilson actually lowered his ERA nearly half a point in 1968, as his record was not a fair assessment of his pitching. He would be retired two years later with 121 career wins to his credit.

No. 4: Joe Sparma (10-10, 3.70 ERA, 110 Ks)

Sparma enjoyed the career of your average back-of-the-rotation starter, as his career lasted seven seasons and he finished a .500 pitcher for his career.  The 1968 season was one of three in which he won double-digit games.

Florida Marlins: 2003

Team Record: 91-71, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Josh Beckett (9-8, 3.04 ERA, 152 Ks)

While injuries limited him to just 23 starts, there is no question that Beckett was the ace of the Marlins staff, and he showed why in October. With a 2.11 ERA in six appearances, Beckett capped it all off with a five-hit shutout in Game 6 of the World Series against the Yankees to clinch the title.

No. 2: Dontrelle Willis (14-6, 3.30 ERA, 142 Ks)

The NL Rookie of the Year, and an All-Star to boot, Willis took the baseball world by storm with his crazy mechanics and fun-loving attitude. He would emerge as the Marlins ace in the seasons to come before being dealt to the Tigers.

No. 3: Carl Pavano (12-13, 4.30 ERA, 133 Ks)

In his first full season in the Marlins rotation after coming over from the Expos, Pavano was average at best. However, he would earn a monster contract from the Yankees with his 18-8 season the following year.

No. 4: Brad Penny (14-10, 4.13 ERA, 138 Ks)

While he had yet to reach the level that would make him an All-Star later in his career, the then-25-year-old Penny was already in his fourth year in the big leagues. He would go 2-0 in the World Series with a 2.19 ERA to give the team a huge boost. 

No. 5: Mark Redman (14-9, 3.59 ERA, 151 Ks)

The forgotten man of the Marlins impressive young rotation, Redman had the best year of his career in 2003. He was traded at season's end and posted a 5.43 ERA in five seasons before retiring in 2008.

Houston Astros: 2005

Team Record: 89-73, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Roger Clemens (13-8, 1.87 ERA, 185 Ks)

While he had just 21 decisions in 32 starts, Clemens was absolutely dominant despite being 42 years old. It was the last full season of his career, and he led the NL in ERA, with a career-best 1.87 mark. He was third in Cy Young voting.

No. 2: Roy Oswalt (20-12, 2.94 ERA, 184 Ks)

With the second 20-win season of his career, Oswalt led the Astros in wins while finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting. He would then go 3-0 in the playoffs, including 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in the NLCS to win MVP honors.

No. 3: Andy Pettitte (17-9, 2.39 ERA, 171 Ks)

Joining Oswalt and Clemens, Pettitte finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting in posting the lowest ERA of his 16-year career. He spent just three seasons in Houston, and 2005 was by far his best before he returned to New York.

No. 4: Brandon Backe (10-8, 4.76 ERA, 97 Ks)

Joining the rotation for the first time, the then-27-year-old Backe looked to be on his way to becoming a significant producer in the Astros rotation after a solid 2005. However, injuries sidetracked his career and he was out of baseball by 2009.

No. 5: Wandy Rodriguez (10-10, 5.53 ERA, 80 Ks)

A 26-year-old rookie, Rodriguez showed flashes of being the pitcher he would become in 2005 but he was clearly the weak link of the rotation despite that.

Kansas City Royals: 1985

Team Record: 91-71, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Bret Saberhagen (20-6, 2.87 ERA, 158 Ks)

In just his second season in the league, and his first as a full-time starter, Saberhagen took home the AL Cy Young, and while it was not as good as his phenomenal 1989 season it still ranks as one of the best in team history and he was just 21 years old.

No. 2: Charlie Leibrandt (17-9, 2.69 ERA, 108 Ks)

Leibrandt was a solid pitcher throughout his 14-year career, winning double-digit games eight times and 1985 was the best season of his career as he had career highs in wins and ERA while finishing fifth in AL Cy Young voting.

No. 3: Danny Jackson (14-12, 3.42 ERA, 114 Ks)

Jackson had an up-and-down career, as he would win 23 games in 1988 but went 112-131 in his career. The 1985 season ranks as an up, as he was a solid third starter.

No. 4: Mark Gubicza (14-10, 4.06 ERA, 99 Ks)

At 22 years old and in just his second full season, Gubicza was still becoming the pitcher that would later be an All-Star and 20-game winner. Still, he was a solid fourth starter. 

No. 5: Buddy Black (10-15, 4.33 ERA, 122 Ks)

After winning 17 games the previous season, Black had a down year in 1985. Currently managing the Padres, Black has a 380-417 record in five seasons as manager.

Los Angeles Angels: 1991

Team Record: 81-81, Seventh in AL West

Rotation

No. 1: Mark Langston (19-8, 3.00 ERA, 183 Ks)

One of the best left-handed starters of the 1980s and 1990s, Langston tied a career high in wins and posted the second-highest ERA of his career during the 1991 season as he was the ace of a well-rounded staff. 

No. 2: Chuck Finley (18-9, 3.80 ERA, 171 Ks)

Posting his second straight 18-9 season, Finley actually had a down year as far as the rest of his numbers went. He went on to win 200 games over his 17-year career. 

No. 3: Jim Abbott (18-11, 2.89 ERA, 158 Ks)

A hero of sorts for overcoming the fact that he had just one arm, Abbott enjoyed the best season of his career in 1991 as he won a career-high 18 games and finished third in AL Cy Young voting. 

No. 4: Kirk McCaskill (10-19, 4.26 ERA, 71 Ks)

Despite an ERA just below the league average, McCaskill led the American League with 19 losses. He would spend just one more season as a full-time member of the rotation before heading to the bullpen at 31 years old.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 1966

Team Record: 95-67, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Sandy Koufax (27-9, 1.73 ERA, 317 Ks)

In the final season of his career, Koufax set a career high in wins and ERA as he won his third Cy Young and finished second in MVP voting. Despite being just 30 years old, and at the top of his game, Koufax was forced to retire with an arm injury. 

No. 2: Don Drysdale (13-16, 3.42 ERA, 177 Ks)

On the downswing of his terrific career despite being just 29 years old, Drysdale posted an ERA over 3.00 for the first time in six years. He retired at 33 years old, but he was still a solid pitcher at this point. 

No. 3: Claude Osteen (17-14, 2.85 ERA, 137 Ks)

In his second season with the Dodgers after coming over from the Senators in a multi-player deal, Osteen's solid 1966 season was a sign of things to come as he would win 115 games over the next seven years. 

No. 4: Don Sutton (12-12, 2.99 ERA, 209 Ks)

A 21-year-old rookie, Sutton won double-digit games for the first of 17 straight seasons in 1966 as he emerged just as Koufax was wrapping up his phenomenal career.

Milwaukee Brewers: 1978

Team Record: 93-69, Third in AL East

Rotation

No. 1: Mike Caldwell (22-9, 2.36 ERA, 131 Ks)

After starting his career 40-58 with a 4.02 ERA, Caldwell joined the Brewers midway through the 1976 season. In his first full season with the team, however, he broke out with 22 wins, including a league-best 23 complete games as he finished second in Cy Young voting and 12th in AL MVP voting.

No. 2: Lary Sorensen (18-12, 3.21 ERA, 78 Ks)

An All-Star for the only time in his career in 1978, Sorensen enjoyed the best season of his career that year. He went on to win 93 games in his career, 52 of which came in his four seasons with the Brewers.

No. 3: Jerry Augustine (13-12, 4.54 ERA, 59 Ks)

A below-.500 pitcher in his career, Augustine had the best years of his career in 1977 and 1978 as he won a total of 25 games of the 55 total he won in his 10-year career.

No. 4: Bill Travers (12-11, 4.41 ERA, 66 Ks)

Despite a short nine-year career, Travers was a solid bottom-of-the-rotation starter in his career. He won double-digit games four times in his career and he helped the Brewers again in their impressive 1980 season.

Minnesota Twins: 1991

Team Record: 95-67, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Jack Morris (18-12, 3.43 ERA, 163 Ks)

Signed for one-year, $3.7 million to be the ace of the Twins staff, Morris delivered on that as he gave the Twins a veteran edge that they sorely needed. His 10-inning shutout of the Braves in Game 7 of the World Series is considered one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history.

No. 2: Kevin Tapani (16-9, 2.99 ERA, 135 Ks)

In just his third full season in the league, Tapani took the next step in 1991 as he became a legitimate front-of-the-rotation starter. He would go on to win 143 games in his 13-year career and he finished seventh in Cy Young voting in 1991.

No. 3: Scott Erickson (20-8, 3.18 ERA, 108 Ks)

Just 23 years old and in his first full season in the major leagues, Erickson led the American League in wins to finish second in AL Cy Young voting and 17th in MVP voting.

No. 4: Allan Anderson (5-11, 4.96 ERA, 51 Ks)

After leading the league in ERA in 1988 and winning a combined 33 games between 1988 and 1989, Anderson's career declined quickly and 1991 marked his last season in the big leagues as he was out of the majors at 27 years old.

New York Mets: 1986

Team Record: 108-54, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Dwight Gooden (17-6, 2.84 ERA, 200 Ks)

Still just 21 years old, Gooden was coming off of a season in which he won 24 games and the NL Cy Young. While his 1985 season did not compare to the previous year, he did finish seventh in Cy Young voting and have a great season. 

No. 2: Ron Darling (15-6, 2.81 ERA, 184 Ks)

Darling won 99 games in nine seasons with the Mets, but his 1985 season may have been the best as he posted a career-best ERA and finished fifth in Cy Young voting. 

No. 3: Bob Ojeda (18-5, 2.57 ERA, 148 Ks)

While Darling may have had the best season of his career, Ojeda had undoubtedly the best season of his career in 1986 as he set career bests across the board and finished fourth in Cy Young voting. 

No. 4: Sid Fernandez (16-6, 3.52 ERA, 200 Ks)

While Gooden was a phenom, Fernandez was a youngster as well as he was just 23 years old in 1986. He too set career highs across the board, and tied Gooden with a seventh-place finish in Cy Young voting. 

No. 5: Rick Aguilera (10-7, 3.88 ERA, 104 Ks)

A future stud closer, Aguilera was in just his second season in 1986 and he did all you can ask out of a fifth starter. He was traded to the Twins midway through the 1989 season.

New York Yankees: 1927

Team Record: 110-44, World Series Champions

Rotation

No. 1: Waite Hoyt (22-7, 2.63 ERA, 86 Ks)

Widely regarded as the best team in history thanks to its lineup, the 1927 Yankees also had a great staff and it started with Hoyt. A Hall of Famer, Hoyt set a career best for ERA while leading the AL in wins.

No. 2: Herb Pennock (19-8, 3.00 ERA, 51 Ks)

Another future Hall of Famer, Pennock broke into the league in 1912 and was a seasoned veteran by 1927 at the age of 33. He was coming off a 23-win season but the rest of his numbers were better in 1927 as he was a terrific No. 2 starter.

No. 3: Urban Shocker (18-6, 2.84 ERA, 35 Ks)

A few seasons removed from four straight 20-win seasons with the Browns, Shocker was still an asset in 1927 at the age of 36. He pitched just one game the next season before retiring with 187 wins in 13 seasons.

No. 4: Dutch Ruether (13-6, 3.38 ERA, 45 Ks)

While he was not the pitcher that won 20 games with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1922, Ruether had a very good season as the fourth starter. He would retire after the season at just 33 years old.

Oakland Athletics: 1905

Team Record: 92-56, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Rube Waddell (27-10, 1.48 ERA, 287 Ks)

A future Hall of Famer, Waddell enjoyed his finest season as a pro in 1905 when he won the pitching Triple Crown. He was among the first true strikeout pitchers, as he led the league in strikeouts six times and piled up 2,316 in his 13-year career. 

No. 2: Eddie Plank (24-12, 2.26 ERA, 210 Ks)

On of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all time and a Hall of Famer, Plank won 326 games during his 17-year career as he won at least 14 games in each of his full seasons in the league, including over 20 eight times. 

No. 3: Andy Coakley (18-8, 1.84 ERA, 145 Ks)

Coakley spent just three seasons as a full-time starter and the 1905 season saw him set career highs in wins and strikeouts. The 22-year-old peaked early, as he was out of the league by the age of 28. 

No. 4: Chief Bender (18-11, 2.83 ERA, 142 Ks)

Another future Hall of Famer, Bender was just a 21-year-old in his third pro season in 1905. He would go on to win 212 games over his 16-year career.

Philadelphia Phillies: 2011

Team Record: 94-50, Currenly First in NL East

Rotation

No. 1: Roy Halladay (17-5, 2.44 ERA, 204 Ks)

While there is no question this is a terrific rotation, Halladay is the unquestioned ace of the staff and with good reason. He is having another terrific year, and he proved last season that he thrives when the lights shine brightest. 

No. 2: Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.44 ERA, 211 Ks)

His acquisition in the offseason earned this staff the way-too-early distinction of best rotation ever. Nonetheless, he has had a fantastic year and he has a track record of stepping it up even more in October so the best may be yet to come. 

No. 3: Cole Hamels (14-7, 2.60 ERA, 171 Ks)

After dominating as a 23-year-old in 2007, Hamels has been nothing but steady since and while he may not be put in the same conversation as Halladay or Lee, he is terrific all the same. 

No. 4: Roy Oswalt (7-9, 3.88 ERA, 78 Ks)

Acquired last season from the Astros, Oswalt has been saddled by injuries this season and while he has missed time he will be integral down the stretch and in the playoffs. 

No. 5: Vance Worley (11-2, 2.92 ERA, 103 Ks)

When Joe Blanton was counted out as the odd man of the staff in preseason, many still believed he would play a big role if someone went down with an injury. Instead it has been Worley who stepped up, as he is the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year honors and has stepped up huge as a 23-year-old rookie.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 1912

Team Record: 93-58, Second in National League

Rotation

No. 1: Claude Hendrix (24-9, 2.59 ERA, 176 Ks)

Hendrix spent just three season with the Pirates to open his career, and he was phenomenal in 1912 as a 23-year-old. He led the league in win percentage and garnered MVP votes.

No. 2: Babe Adams (11-8, 2.91 ERA, 63 Ks)

A staple of the Pirates rotation for 18 seasons, winning 194 games over that stretch, Adams was limited to just 20 starts in 1912 but still made an impact when he was on the mound.

No. 3: Howie Camnitz (22-12, 2.83 ERA, 121 Ks)

One of the more underrated pitchers of the dead-ball era, Camnitz won 108 games from 1907-1912 and he was solid once again in 1912 in what was his final full season with the Pirates.

No. 4: Marty O'Toole (15-17, 2.71 ERA, 150 Ks)

O'Toole had an unspectacular career, going 27-36 in five seasons but he had his best season by far in 1912. He led the league with six shutouts, but also posted a league-high 159 walks.

San Diego Padres: 1998

Team Record: 98-64, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Kevin Brown (18-7, 2.38 ERA, 257 Ks)

The Padres had some solid pitchers through the years, but Brown may be the only true staff ace they have ever had. He spent just one season with the team but he may well have been the best pitcher in the National League that season, though he finished third in Cy Young voting.

No. 2: Andy Ashby (17-9, 3.34 ERA, 151 Ks)

With a 41-55 career record heading into 1998, there was no reason to believe Ashby would be any more than an average pitcher, but he enjoyed a career year in 1998 at the age of 30.

No. 3: Joey Hamilton (13-13, 4.27 ERA, 147 Ks)

After finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 1994, Hamilton did not build much off of his success from there. He won double-digit games three straight years from 1996-1998 and he was a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter if nothing else. He did, however, lead the league with 106 walks.

No. 4: Sterling Hitchcock (9-7, 3.93 ERA, 158 Ks)

Once a top prospect of the Yankees, Hitchcock never quite lived up to the hype. While he was nothing more than a end-of-the-rotation starter in 1998 he enjoyed a terrific postseason with a 3-0 record and 1.23 ERA in four playoff starts.

No. 5: Mark Langston (4-6, 5.86 ERA, 56 Ks)

Once one of the top left-handed starter and a terrific strikeout pitcher, Langston was wrapping up a solid career at 37 years old in 1998. He was clearly the weak link of the rotation, but added veteran experience if nothing else.

San Francisco Giants: 1967

Team Record: 91-71, Second in National League

Rotation

No. 1: Juan Marichal (14-10, 2.76 ERA, 166 Ks)

Coming off of a season in which he won 25 games, Marichal was limited to just 26 starts due to injury but he was still dominant when he was on the field.

No. 2: Gaylord Perry (15-17, 2.61 ERA, 230 Ks)

A future Hall of Famer, Perry did not have a great record in 1967 but his other numbers are hard to argue with. He would go on to 314 career wins, including 134 in 10 seasons with the Giants.

No. 3: Mike McCormick (22-10, 2.85 ERA, 150 Ks)

While there are a number of better seasons out of the Marichal/Perry duo to choose from, 1967 gets the nod thanks to the season McCormick had. An average pitcher throughout his career, McCormick won the NL Cy Young in 1967 and finished sixth in MVP voting as he led the NL in wins.

No. 4: Ray Sadecki (12-6, 2.78 ERA, 145 Ks)

While he would go on to lead the league in losses with 18 the following season, Sadecki was as good as it gets for a fourth starter in 1967. He won 20 games back in 1964 for the Cardinals, and a total of 135 for his 18-year career.

Seattle Mariners: 1997

Team Record: 90-72, Lost in ALDS

Rotation

No. 1: Randy Johnson (20-4, 2.28 ERA, 291 Ks)

Despite his fantastic numbers, Johnson finished second to Blue Jays ace Roger Clemens in Cy Young voting. Still, it was arguably his best season with the Mariners and his last full season as he was traded to the Astros midseason of the next year. 

No. 2: Jeff Fassero (16-9, 3.61 ERA, 189 Ks)

Fassero enjoyed a lengthy career thanks to a move to the bullpen, but he was a solid starter at the beginning of his career and he set a career high for wins in 1997. 

No. 3: Jamie Moyer (17-5, 3.86 ERA, 113 Ks)

After bouncing around from 1985-1996, Moyer joined the Mariners at midseason in 1996 and in his first full season in 1997, at the age of 34, he emerged as legitimate starter and began a stretch in which he won 113 games in seven seasons.

Note: Dennis Martinez, Omar Olivares, Bob Wolcott, Derek Lowe and Ken Cloude filled out the last two spots in the rotation with limited success, but the first three here are still enough to make this the choice.

St. Louis Cardinals: 1968

Team Record: 97-65, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Bob Gibson (22-9, 1.12 ERA, 268 Ks)

Largely considered one of the greatest single pitching seasons in baseball history, Gibson took home the Cy Young and MVP. He led the league in ERA and strikeouts and also had a whopping 13 shutouts.

No. 2: Nelson Briles (19-11, 2.81 ERA, 141 Ks)

Briles started his career off with a bang, peaking in 1968 when he won a career-high 19 games and received MVP votes. He left the team after 1970, playing for four different teams before ending his career. 

No. 3: Steve Carlton (13-11, 2.99 ERA, 162 Ks)

In just his second full season, Carlton made his first All-Star appearance and began to show signs of
the pitcher he would become. He spent three more seasons with the team before foolishly being dealt to the Phillies.

No. 4: Ray Washburn (14-8, 2.26 ERA, 124 Ks)

A bottom-of-the-rotation starter throughout his career, Washburn had the best season of his career in 1968 posting career highs across the board. Two years later he was out of the league at the age of 32.

Tampa Bay Rays: 2008

Team Record: 97-65, Lost in World Series

Rotation

No. 1: Scott Kazmir (12-8, 3.49 ERA, 166 Ks)

A year after leading the league in strikeouts, Kazmir was solid once again in 2008 despite being held to 27 starts due to injury. This would be his final full season with the team as he was dealt to the Angels the following season. 

No. 2: James Shields (14-8, 3. 56 ERA, 160 Ks)

The lone starter from this staff that is still part of the Rays rotation, Shields has had an up-and-down career with the Rays and he was at his very best this season. 

No. 3: Matt Garza (11-9, 3.70 ERA, 128 Ks)

Acquired from the Twins for top prospect Delmon Young, Garza threw a pair of shutouts in his first full season in the Rays rotation. With a 2-0 record and 1.38 ERA, he won the ALCS MVP in 2008. 

No. 4: Edwin Jackson (14-11, 4.42 ERA, 108 Ks)

The Rays capitalized on Jackson's breakout season in 2008, dealing him to the Tigers for outfielder Matt Joyce, who has become an integral member of the team this year. He is now with his fourth team since leaving the Rays. 

No. 5: Andy Sonnanstine (13-9, 4.38 ERA, 124 Ks)

The only season of his career in which he has recorded over 25 starts and double-digit wins, Sonnanstine has more or less been phased out of the rotation and will likely be non-tendered this offseason.

Texas Rangers: 1977

Team Record: 94-68, Second in AL West

Rotation

No. 1: Gaylord Perry (15-12, 3.37 ERA, 177 Ks)

Perry spent just two full seasons with the Indians, winning 15 games in each of them, but there is no doubt he was the staff leader despite the fact that he was 38 years old. He would pitch six more productive years. 

No. 2: Bert Blyleven (14-12, 2.72 ERA, 182 Ks)

Best known for his time with the Twins, Blyleven spent just a short time with the team, as 1977 was his only full season in Texas. He led the league in WHIP, and was a very good No. 2 starter. 

No. 3: Doyle Alexander (17-11, 3.65 ERA, 82 Ks)

If the name sounds familiar, it is because Alexander was the player the Tigers traded a young John Smoltz for back in 1987. Besides that, he was a solid pitcher with 194 wins to his credit. 

No. 4: Dock Ellis (10-6, 2.90 ERA, 90 Ks)

Acquired in June after starting the season with the Yankees and then being dealt to the Athletics, Ellis was not the pitcher he was with the Pirates but he still had plenty left in the tank.

Toronto Blue Jays: 1992

Team Record: 96-66, World Series Champions 

Rotation

No. 1: Jack Morris (21-6, 4.04 ERA, 132 Ks)

Coming off a season in which he helped lead the Twins to a World Series, Morris continued to build his reputation as a big-game pitcher despite the fact that he was 37 years old. While he struggled in the playoffs, he anchored the staff in the regular season.

No. 2: Jimmy Key (13-13, 3.53 ERA, 117 Ks)

In his final season with the Blue Jays, Key provided a solid veteran presence at the top of the rotation. He would join the Yankees and enjoy the best years of his career, but he did win 116 games in nine seasons with the Blue Jays. 

No. 3: Juan Guzman (16-5, 2.64 ERA, 165 Ks)

In just his second big league season, Guzman took a big step as he made the All-Star team while posting the best numbers of his career at the age of 25. 

No. 4: Todd Stottlemyre (12-11, 4.50 ERA, 98 Ks)

Never a stud but always a solid pitcher, Stottlemyre delivered another decent season from the bottom of the Blue Jays rotation in 1992. He won 138 games in his career and topped the double-digit win mark eight times.

Note: The fifth spot was filled by David Wells and Dave Stieb until David Cone was acquired at the deadline in one of the better deadline deals of all time.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/524645-50-best-pitching-teams-in-mlb-history/page/51 

Washington Nationals: 1982 (Expos)

Team Record: 86-76, Third in NL East

Rotation

No. 1: Steve Rogers (19-8, 2.40 ERA, 179 Ks)

Arguably the best pitcher in team history, Rogers won 158 games during his 13-year career, all of which were played with the Expos. His best season was the 1982 season, as he won the ERA title and finished second in Cy Young voting.

No. 2: Bill Gullickson (12-14, 3.57 ERA, 155 Ks)

Just 23 years old and in his first year as a full-time starter, Gullickson was a solid second man in the rotation and while he won 72 games in seven seasons with the Expos, he is best known for his 20-win season with the Tigers in 1991.

No. 3: Scott Sanderson (12-12, 3.46 ERA, 158 Ks)

A future staple of the Chicago Cubs rotation, Sanderson was just kicking off his 19-year career in 1982 as it was the 25-year-old's fifth season in the league and the second time he tallied double-digit wins. He was traded to the Cubs after the 1983 season and went on to win 163 games in his career.

No. 4: Charlie Lea (12-10, 3.24 ERA, 115 Ks)

While he enjoyed a short seven-year career, Lea was at his best from 1982-1984, as he won 43 games with a 3.07 ERA. 

You can read another great article on dominant pitching teams here.