How sweet it is: Garrett Anderson's swing places him among the hitting elite: since his first full year in 1996, Angels outfielder has averaged 187 hits, 41 doubles, 22 home runs, 100 RBI and a .297 BA per season.(Anaheim Angels)

In this AGE OF NEVER-ENDING analysis, when baseball player spend hours in front of televisions and computers, breaking down their swing, Anaheim Angels outfielder Garrett Anderson is an outsider.

He doesnt study video or read hitting books. He doesn't need long charts with a batting coach. He doesn't rely on rituals or superstitions.

His cure for a slump is simple: Extra swings vs. left-handed pitching and maybe a quick round of soft toss.

"He doesn't do that for 10 minutes," Angels batting coach Mickey Hatcher says. "We might do it for a minute. He's low-maintenance. When Garret hits a bad streak, it's usually because he forgets there are other parts of the field. Hitting against left-handed pitching helps him remember that."

While the defending World Series champion Angels struggled for survival--they finished with a 71-29 won-lost record, 19 games out in the American League West--the 31-year-old cleanup batter with the smooth left-handed swing was having his best season as he solidified his place among baseball's elite hitters.

Anderson, the All-Star Game MVP and Home Run Derby winner, enjoyed his first 200-hit season while batting .315 with 29 home runs, 116 RBI and a league-leading 49 doubles.

His 201 hits--which ranked seventh among all major league hitters in '03--are the third most ever record by an Angels batter. Darin Erstad holds the club mark with 240 set in 2000 followed by Alex Johnson's 202 in 1970.