Brewers centerfielder Brady Clark is off to a sluggish start on offense this season, which could ultimately be good news for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

How is that, you ask?

During a recent homestand at Miller Park, your intrepid correspondent from Saucy Stadium Scoops was endeavoring to throw a gum wrapper into a clubhouse garbage can when he noticed a gleaming new athletic supporter and some blue socks had landed in the receptacle alongside a coffee cup and a completed crossword puzzle.

"What gives?" the correspondent asked a nearby clubhouse attendant.

"Apparently, there were no hits in that jock," the attendant said, flashing an unmistakable "I've seen it all and now you know what I put up with on a daily basis" stare toward his inquisitor.

"It was time for a new one. And, some new socks.''

Upon closer (but not too close) inspection, the correspondent saw that the discarded equipment was emblazoned with the number "27."

That meant it belonged to Brady Clark. And, it made sense.

Talk to any of his teammates or coaches and you will undoubtedly discover that Clark is one of the more dedicated and meticulous players in the clubhouse. That's a nice way for saying he's a little bit crazy.

Because he was not blessed with a great deal of natural athletic ability, Clark rose to the big leagues on effort, determination and an attention to detail that borders on maniacal. This is a guy who purchased a special scale for the clubhouse because he wanted to weigh his bats and make sure they weren't a half-ounce too light or too heavy. Brewers hitting coach Butch Wynegar, who has spent countless hours with Clark in the batting cage and counts him as a personal favorite, refers to the centerfielder as a "gung-ho guy,'' driven to do whatever it takes to succeed.

"I wish everybody had that kind of make-up, that kind of desire," Wynegar said.