Rockies Rumors: Stewart, Oswalt, Millwood, Francis, Tanaka

As Troy Renck of The Denver Post notes, the rumors we're hearing right now are all extremely fluid. He suggest that the Rockies/Cubs potential trade of Ian Stewart in exchange for Blake DeWitt is either not enough or not really what they need. Also, the team remains on the hunt for a veteran starter:

• Rockies' Stewart on trade block, but DeWitt not right fit - The Denver Post
  Colorado is looking for more than a utlity player, DeWitt not enough for Stewart.
• Stewart will be non-tendered, resulting in low-ball offers.
  
• Rox no longer in the Roy Oswalt sweepstakes, but looking at other veterans like Kevin Millwood and Jeff Francis.
  
• Positive news on Juan Nicasio and Jorge De La Rosa are decreasing the urgency to find starters.

Other Rockies Rumors:

• Source: Rockies pursuing Japanese free agent - Jon Paul Morosi
  "The Colorado Rockies have expressed initial interest in free-agent second baseman Kensuke Tanaka, a major-league source told FOXSports.com."

• On Tanaka - @jonmorosi
  "Source says there is a strong possibility of Kensuke Tanaka staying in Japan for the 2012 season. #Rockies have checked in." << but...

• More on Tanaka - @TroyRenck
  "Here's what I know on Tanaka. The Rockies had interest, but are under impression he's staying in Japan. That comes directly from a #Rockies' source with direct knowledge of talks. Had interest, but expect Tanaka to stay in Japan."

• Rox ask Cubs for DeWitt in exchange for Stewart - Hardball in the Rockies
  "DeWitt could be a nice fit. The Rockies would like a veteran presence who could start in stretches if necessary. But the organization believes former top Draft pick Chris Nelson could produce if given a clean opportunity at second base, and the team will not throw up road blocks for third base prospect Nolan Arenado, a second-round pick in 2009."

• When the music stops, a closer could get left standing - Ken Rosenthal
  "Rockies closer Huston Street and White Sox lefty Matt Thornton are among the late-inning relievers available in trades."