Dodgers interested in Marcum? ESPN Insider suggests that the Dodgers could be amongst a handful of teams that could be interested in free agent starting pitcher Shaun Marcum. While former teammate Zack Greinke looks to be the prize of the upcoming free agent market, teams might look at Marcum as a cheaper alternative.

The Dodgers will enter 2013 with a rotation of Clayton Kershaw, Josh Beckett, Ted Lilly and Aaron Harang/Chris Capuano. The final member of the rotation could be Chad Billingsley, but he could miss 2013 if he elects to undergo Tommy John surgery to report a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. A decision is expected in November.

With its deep pockets, the Dodger organization could find itself chasing Greinke, but would not be wrong in signing Marcum as a Plan B.

A-Rod at third? Don’t believe the hype, the Dodgers aren’t excited about adding Alex Rodriguez‘s contract to their payroll next season. The New York Yankees could be out of luck given that the Miami Marlins aren’t thrilled about the idea either, as CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman passes on.

Heyman asked a person familiar with the Dodgers’ plans about the team’s interest in Rodriguez and was quickly answered with a flat answer of ‘no’.

Dempster Discount? Who doesn’t remember the love affair between the Dodgers and free agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster at the July trade deadline? The Dodgers resisted giving up their top two pitching prospects, Zach Lee and Allen Webster (who wound up in Boston as part of the Adrian Gonzalez trade) in exchange for a two month rental of Dempster.

Given the team’s struggle to produce on offense, his acquisition wouldn’t have made too much of a difference. However, now he can be had without taking a talent hit.

Could he offer his services to the Dodgers for a discounted rate?