Fielder still topic of Cubs conversation

From a distance, it was hard to tell Wednesday whether Cubs president Theo Epstein was making a play on words when he told reporters in Dallas that there was “nothing big we're close to.”

Prince Fielder is pretty big, both in size and stature in the game, and talk at the winter meetings turned to Fielder as Albert Pujols appeared inching toward a return to St. Louis.

Fielder is the other mega-free-agent position player on the market this winter. The Miami Marlins made a $200 million offer to Pujols before the two sides reportedly broke off talks.

Some speculated that the Marlins would turn their attention to Fielder and then possibly dangle first baseman Gaby Sanchez to the Cubs, perhaps for pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

However, there was talk on Twitter that Fielder has interest in the Cubs.

Earlier in the day, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer was telling the media that reports of the Cubs' interest in Fielder was “overblown.”

Deal on the rocks:The on-again, off-again talks between the Cubs and the Colorado Rockies appeared off again Wednesday evening.The two teams reportedly talked trade involving Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin and Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart.Hall of Fame baseball writer Tracy Ringolsby, who has covered the Rockies for many years, reported that the Rockies said they expect Stewart to remain in Colorado.Even though Jed Hoyer has said Colvin is not out of the team's picture, there appears to be little room for him after last week's signing of free agent David DeJesus.Both Colvin and Stewart had poor seasons in 2011.Colvin had a hitting line of .150/.204/.306 with 6 homers, and he spent 50 games in the minor leagues.Stewart had a line of .156/.243/.221 with no homers. He also spent time in the minor leagues this year after hitting 18 homers in 2010 and 25 in 2009.Just saying no:Third baseman Aramis Ramirez, as expected declined the Cubs' offer of salary arbitration as he continues to search for a new team on the free-agent market. The Brewers are one possibility.Also declining arbitration was first baseman Carlos Pena. If the Cubs don't land either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, it's possible Pena could re-sign with the Cubs.The Cubs will get draft-pick compensation for Pena and Ramirez if they leave. Ramirez and his agent already have said he won't be back.