Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade was fired Wednesday in the first major move by Theo Epstein since becoming the team's president of baseball operations.

Epstein, who was introduced in his new position last week, said Quade would not return after traveling to Florida to tell him in person. He called Quade an "outstanding baseball guy" but it was time for a change.

Quade got the job after a 37-game audition at the end of the 2010 season, replacing Lou Piniella on an interim basis. The Cubs went 24-13 and he was chosen over Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg for the job last season. (MORE>>>)