Book it: Practical joke 'falls flat'

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee Brewers official called it "a lousy attempt at a practical joke" and "a poor attempt at low-level humor that falls flat."

The press box at Miller Park was abuzz Friday evening over a fictitious news release that was put out with the game notes and information the media receive.

The release poked fun at Cubs general manager Jim Hendry by promoting a "book" that does not exist.

"A new book certain to be a best seller!" the one-page document read. "How to Finish Near Last Place with the Highest Payroll in the League, by Jim Hendry, Chicago Cubs' GM."

The document went on: "Read in Jim Hendry's own words how the Chicago Cubs managed to finish near the bottom of the National League Central Division with the highest payroll in the National League." The release bullet-pointed such "chapters" as:

• "Why I signed Milton Bradley!"

• "Why I released Casey McGehee only to see him hit 20 home runs and drive in nearly 100 runs for a division rival!" (McGehee was claimed off waivers by the Brewers in the fall of 2008.)

• "Why I signed players to long-term contracts with limited trade options!"

Tyler Barnes, the Brewers' vice president for communications, said he would try to get to the bottom of things but that the Brewers had nothing to do with it.

"You've got people credentialed from every city in the county," Barnes said. "It's unfortunate. It's an unfortunate incident. It's a lousy attempt at a practical joke. In that way, we're certainly sorry.

"Obviously, it's a hoax. Obviously, it's a great rivalry between the teams. I think if you ask anybody in the offices, we have a lot of respect for each other. Something like this is unfortunate."

Start for Samardzija? Cubs manager Mike Quade said pitcher Jeff Samardzija could start next Saturday at Florida. Samardzija was starting at Class AAA Iowa. He's available out of the bullpen since this week's call-up.

"We wanted to give him at least 1 start," Quade said. "He's been starting all year, and we want to keep him in the same environment if we can. He's great. He showed up here and said, 'Q, I'm ready to go, however you need me, whatever you want.' "