Marlins first baseman Carlos Delgado could replace Rafael Palmeiro in Baltimore if Orioles officials ? currently divided over the idea ? agree to give up a top pitching prospect, a baseball source said Thursday. The Marlins and Orioles have not yet discussed a trade, but Baltimore's front office has talked about it since at least the general managers' meetings in California last week. "Baltimore is seriously debating whether to get Delgado, but they are split over whether to pursue it,'' said the source, who was briefed on Baltimore's strategies. The Marlins would want a starting pitcher from Baltimore such as left-hander Adam Loewen, the Orioles' first-round draft pick (fourth overall) in 2002 or right-hander Hayden Penn. Loewen was 10-8 with a 4.12 ERA in 2005 for Class A Frederick (Md.). Penn was Baltimore's fifth-round draft choice in 2002. He was 3-2 with a 6.34 ERA in eight major-league starts last season. Florida also could ask for right-handed reliever Chris Ray, who was 1-3 with a 2.66 ERA in 41 games for the Orioles in 2005. Baltimore also is interested in center fielder Juan Pierre, but Delgado is considered a higher priority.