Cubs fire VP of player personnel Oneri Fleita

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs have fired vice president of player personnel Oneri Fleita.

President of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Wednesday that more front office changes were imminent for the 45-70 Cubs.

Fleita joined the organization in 1995. He was the manager of the club's Class-A affiliate and also oversaw extended spring training.

After spending time as an area scout and coordinator of Latin America operations, Fleita was promoted to director of player development, where he helped groom current closer Carlos Marmol and shortstop Starlin Castro.

Fleita was given a four-year extension last September before Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer were hired.

Epstein says Fleita is "free and clear" to pursue opportunities with other organizations.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.