"It has been said about Colorado weather, if you don't like it, wait 15 minutes. The same applies to baseball's hot stove. Trade talks, to the say the least, are fluid situations.

While the Rockies have explored trading third baseman Ian Stewart, a source said today that the Rockies still think highly enough of Stewart that they would not consider a deal for the Cubs' Blake Dewitt.

The Cubs have interest in Stewart, and made DeWitt available. Colorado is seeking more in return than a utilityman, preferring someone along the lines of outfielder Tyler Colvin, or a minor-league pitching prospect.

Stewart, 26, is an interesting case because of his past and potential. Industry insiders have assumed for weeks that the Rockies will non-tender Stewart, influencing the low-ball offers Colorado has received for the slugger. But the Rockies have already informed Stewart's agent he will be tendered the contract this month, which is directly influencing the type of return the club wants in any deal.

Even after his disappointing zero home run 2011 season, Stewart, who hit 25 home runs in 2009, remains an inexpensive commodity. He's due roughly $2 million in arbitration, a contract that's only partially guaranteed until opening day. As such, the Rockies have told opposing executives that they are prepared to keep him if they don't get the right deal.

As it stands, the Rockies have several third base candidates, including Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson, Nolan Arenado and Brandon Wood?."