The Orioles remain in the running to acquire pitcher A.J. Burnett from the Florida Marlins, according to an industry source, with the package expanding to possibly include third baseman Mike Lowell. One source said the discussions have heated up, though some insiders believe the Chicago White Sox remain the favorites to land Burnett. Burnett is a free agent after this season, and the Marlins have conceded that he won't re-sign. The Orioles want a front-line starter for the rotation, and they'd become a better match if willing to absorb Lowell's contract, which pays him $18 million over the next two seasons. According to the source, the Orioles would acquire Burnett, Lowell and minor league outfielder Eric Reed for a package that includes reliever Jorge Julio, outfielder Larry Bigbie and Double-A pitcher Hayden Penn. The source said reliever Steve Kline has been added to the discussions, and Sidney Ponson could be substituted for Penn. But one Orioles official called that scenario "far-fetched." The Marlins would be hesitant to take on Ponson's salary. He's owed $8 million next season, with another $2 million deferred. Ponson has a limited no-trade clause that doesn't include the Marlins among the 10 teams that would require his permission. Burnett is 5-6 with a 3.64 ERA. He allowed six runs in five innings of Thursday's start against Philadelphia, including three homers in the third. Lowell would move to first base with the Orioles if a trade is consummated, since Melvin Mora is entrenched at third, and also provide another right-handed bat as the designated hitter or in reserve. Manager Lee Mazzilli said he wants to rest Rafael Palmeiro more in the second half.