Brandon McCarthy was once a top pitching prospect but he spent the 2010 season in the minor leagues and/or on the disabled list. Now teams are looking at him because he has thrown very well in the Dominican Winter League: 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA in four starts. McCarthy has been scouted heavily in recent weeks, with the Astros, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Padres, Mariners, Athletics and Tigers among the teams having interest, according to a major-league source.