Carlos Delgado chose the Marlins over the Mets while a free agent in January, and now, with the Marlins needing to slash payroll, he is being shopped around the general managers' meetings, according to an industry official. The Mets would be a last trade resort for the Marlins, given that they share space in the National League East. Yet the Mets would be able to pick up a significant amount of the money ($48 million over three years) that the Marlins owe Delgado. The Mets badly want an impact, power bat, and if acquiring Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox proves impossible, then Delgado, a first baseman, would become more desirable. Also at the meetings yesterday, Mets general manager Omar Minaya and his staff met with Darek Braunecker and Mark Rodgers, the representatives for free-agent starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. Despite having an abundance of starters, the Mets are looking to upgrade their rotation, with Kris Benson and Steve Trachsel the most likely trade chips. Burnett and Delgado were Marlins teammates in 2005, and Delgado lived up to his four-year, $52-million contract, hitting .301 with 33 homers and 115 RBIs in Pro Player Stadium, a pitcher's ballpark.