Shaun Marcum rumors: Padres, Pirates, Rangers

Free-agent right-hander Shaun Marcum is garnering the attention of the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Texas Rangers, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:

Shaun Marcum, free agent starter, is drawing interest from Padres, Pirates and Rangers, sources say. @mlbonfox

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 14, 2013

Marcum, 31, is the best right-handed starter available on the open market not tied to draft pick compensation (read: not named Kyle Lohse). The veteran right-hander put together solid numbers in his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers -- posting a 3.70 ERA and 7.9 K/9 rate in 124 innings -- but concerns over a midseason elbow strain has prevented the right-hander from being a coveted item this winter.

Marcum already endured Tommy John surgery once in his career -- back in 2008 as a member of the Blue Jays -- so teams may be wary of the right-hander succumbing to issues with his UCL a second time.

Several other teams have shown interest in Marcum this offseason -- including the Indians, Orioles, Mets, Cubs, and Blue Jays -- but most of it has been of the kicking tires variety.