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Theo Epstein was introduced as the new Chicago Cubs general manager on Tuesday and immediately went to work. Unfortunately, his first trade offer — one he admits "I had kind of staked everything on" — was turned down.

The deal, all of the Chicago Cubs players in return for all of the Boston Red Sox players, was not accepted by new Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.

"I don't want to panic anyone, but with this trade not happening, we're going to suck for a long time, if not forever," said Epstein. "My expertise is more in the area of running really talented teams. Without those Red Sox players, I'm kind of out of my element. My rebuilding effort was based on getting Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Gonzalez and all of their pitchers except John Lackey."

Major League Baseball is planning to consider whether there should be a ban on alcohol in clubhouses. MLB executive Joe Torre has been tasked to investigate the issue and will prepare a recommendation to commissioner Bud Selig.

"Should our players, who are multimillionaire athletes, be drinking during games — something that isn't even allowed in the majority of slow-pitch, rec league softball leagues around the country?" said Torre. "Who can say? It's a tough decision."

The issue has gained attention in recent weeks with reports that several Boston Red Sox players drank during games this season. But Torre and other baseball officials fear that cracking down on in-game beer and spirits could hurt the growth of the sport.

"If we declare that our players can't drink during games, our sport will suddenly become less alluring to out-of-shape guys who like to get hammered," said Selig. "They'll quit baseball and play sports like fishing, bowling, golf or auto racing."