Watch: Cubs president Epstein swings for fences in batting practice

Theo Epstein's wheeling and dealing in the front office may not translate as well to the plate, but at least he tried.

With fellow front-office staffer Ryan Dempster in need of some reps to prepare himself to pitch for Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic, Epstein volunteered to step into the cage with the retired pitcher, and even managed to make some contact off the 39-year-old hurler.

"Well, I know I can't hit major-league pitching, but I wanted to see if I could hit Ryan Dempster," Epstein told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. "First at-bat he jammed me twice - ground foul past third and a grounder to third.

"Second at-bat, he punched me out looking on a ball below the zone. I immediately released the catcher who was calling balls and strikes."

Maybe just stick to the suit, Theo.