Sources: Selig Fires MLB Exec VP/Baseball Operations Solomon

MLB Exec VP/Baseball Development Jimmie Lee Solomon has been fired by Commissioner Bud Selig, according to industry sources, ending a 21-year association with the league. MLB execs declined to comment, and it is not clear what precipitated the surprise move or what Selig plans to do to replace Solomon.

This comes two years after Solomon was demoted from Exec VP/Baseball Operations following a spate of high-profile umpiring issues. But in that instance, he retained an Exec VP title as well as a role with legacy potential managing the game's Urban Youth Academies and the league's relationship with Minor League Baseball. Solomon played a prominent role last year in negotiating a six-year extension of the Professional Baseball Agreement with MiLB for the '15-20 seasons.