Stewart, Cubs close to parting ways

June 7, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart (2) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For the time being, Ian Stewart is still a member of the Chicago Cubs organization.

Just don’t get too used to the idea.

Rumors have it that the team is “within days” of parting ways with their former starting third baseman, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman. The details of the potential arrangement remain unclear, namely whether or not the team will make any financial concessions, but it appears that the once-promising pickup of Ian Stewart will end with another embattled chapter in Cubs’ third baseman history.

Entering the 2013 campaign, Stewart was posed to be a crucial part of the team’s contention hopes this year, with a rebuilding effort still in the works, but after suffering a quad injury during Spring Training, the former first-round pick failed to bounce back, hitting a dismal .091 in his rehab stint, leading to his demotion to Triple A-Iowa.

Two weeks ago, Stewart went on a Twitter bender, if you will, lashing out at the Cubs organization and manager Dale Sveum. Here are the Tweets.

“There going to let me Rott in AA all season then non tender me after,” tweeted Stewart, likely in response to fans’ Tweets asking him when he would return to Chicago. Stewart also tweeted, “I think Dale doesn’t like me and He’s running the show.”

He also reportedly Tweeted, “why would i quit? I’m making 2 mill in AAA like u would give that up by quitting,” – showing a type of acceptance of his Triple-A fate, at least in terms of financial stability.

In Stewart’s absence, Cody Ransom and Luis Valbuena have played above expectations, meaning the impact of the release is unlikely to affect the team at the Major League level.