Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Pirates have "kept in touch" with the Rockies regarding the possibility of trading for Ian Stewart. The Pirates already have one disappointing third baseman in Pedro Alvarez, so they might as well add another one, right? In all seriousness, he wouldn't be a bad buy low opportunity if the price is right, as he offers an insurance policy for Alvarez and cold probably also move across the diamond to help out at first base if need be. The Cubs are also interested in Stewart.

The Cubs interest in Colorado third baseman Ian Stewart has waned, according to MLB.com. "The situation remains fluid, however, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility that they'll jump back in," writes Rockies beat reporter Thomas Harding. A handful of names have been thrown around in trade talks between the clubs, including infielder Blake DeWitt, outfielder-first baseman Tyler Colvin, infielder D.J. LeMaiheu and left-handed reliever Scott Maine. The 26-year-old Stewart batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances at the major-league level this season, but makes for an intriguing buy-low candidate. He projects to make around $2 million in his second year of arbitration.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Cubs and Angels have been the most active teams for the Rockies' Ian Stewart. Morosi reported over the weekend that the Orioles, Mariners, Pirates and Diamondbacks are also in the mix. The 26-year-old Stewart batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances at the major-league level this season, but makes for an intriguing buy-low candidate. He projects to make around $2 million in his second year of arbitration.

The Orioles, Cubs, Mariners, Pirates and Angels have called the Rockies to inquire about Ian Stewart, according to FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi. The Diamondbacks are also reportedly interested. Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported that while the "most likely scenario" is that Stewart is traded this offseason, the Rockies are ready to hang on to him if they don't get what they want. If the Rockies wind up hanging on to Stewart, he'll compete for the third base job with Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Diamondbacks are one of at least four teams that have talked to the Rockies about Ian Stewart. The Rockies surely would prefer not to deal Stewart to a division rival, but they'll take the best offer. Renck says that while the "most likely scenario" is that Stewart is traded this offseason, the Rockies are ready to hang on to him if they don't get what they want. The Cubs have also expressed interest in the third baseman.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies turned down the Cubs' offer of Blake DeWitt in exchange for Ian Stewart. Renck intimated previously that it was the Cubs that turned down the offer, but evidently it was the other way around. He adds that the Rockies "still think highly enough" of Stewart that they want more than DeWitt for him, with Tyler Colvin or a pitching prospect presenting more intrigue to them. If the Rockies wind up hanging on to Stewart, he'll compete for the third base job with Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies have asked the Cubs for utilityman Blake DeWitt in a deal for third baseman Ian Stewart. Renck said talks between the two clubs have "cooled" but could be revisited at the winter meetings. It's hard to believe the Cubs would balk at the idea of trading DeWitt, who holds a career .260/.329/.385 batting line across 1,087 at-bats, if they are serious about dealing for Stewart. The Rockies appear willing to give up on Stewart after an ugly 2011 season that saw him bat just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers over 136 plate appearances, but he does represent an intriguing buy-low opportunity.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Cubs have interest in the Rockies' Ian Stewart. The level of interest isn't clear, but Renck writes that the Rockies are currently exploring trades for Stewart. The 26-year-old third baseman batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. He stands to make around $2 million though the arbitration process, which probably wouldn't be a big obstacle in a potential trade. If the Rockies part with Stewart, they could use some combination of Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood at third base until top prospect Nolan Arenado is deemed ready for the big leagues.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said on Sunday that he "always planned on tendering" a contract to Ian Stewart. Dealing Ty Wigginton to the Phillies freed up $2 million, but O'Dowd denied that the trade changed his thinking regarding Stewart's future with the club. Stewart, 26, batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. He has been bothered by a sprained left wrist since August, but the injury healed enough for him to begin offseason workouts. For the record, Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes Stewart will be traded this winter. If the Rockies ditch him, Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson could form a platoon at the hot corner until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Ian Stewart (wrist) has yet to resume baseball activities. Stewart has been bothered by a sprained left wrist since August, but the injury has healed enough for him to begin offseason workouts. "The wrist is good. I have just been lifting at Coors (Field), but I haven't started swinging (a bat) yet," said Stewart. "Maybe next week." Stewart, 26, batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. While he is a non-tender candidate this winter, Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes he could still be part of the plan at third base for next season, possibly as part of a platoon with Jordan Pacheco or Chris Nelson.