Is Armando Benitez headed south? That’s a question, not a joke. According to major-league sources, the Mets and Marlins are involved in trade discussions, presumably involving Benitez. Florida’s bullpen was 12th in the league in ERA entering yesterday, while the Mets are looking to unload Benitez ASAP.

A source familiar with the Mets’ plans said no trade is imminent or close with any team. However, the Roberto Alomar trade transpired very quickly last week following published reports.

If Florida (47-44) decides it’s in the wild-card hunt, its bullpen is the most glaring problem. Benitez is one of the all-time most unpopular Mets, although he has 21 saves in 27 chances and has posted a 2-3 record and 3.11 ERA.

He was the Mets’ lone All-Star selection and is an upgrade over Florida closer Braden Looper, who’s saved 16 of 19 chances and had a heart-stopper in Chicago yesterday afternoon, nearly blowing a victory by allowing two runs in the ninth.

Florida has other pen problems. Tim Spooneybarger has a sprained ligament in his elbow, and last year’s co-closer, Vladimir Nunez, has spent much of the season in Triple A.

But Benitez might not be the sole name mentioned in talks, which are believed to be beyond the preliminary stage. The Marlins might decide they need outfield help. However, it’s unlikely they’d be desperate enough to take Roger Cedeno off the Mets’ hands or take on Jeromy Burnitz’s salary.

The two teams have worked together on huge deals before, although not recently. Al Leiter was acquired for prospect A.J. Burnett after the 1997 season, and Mike Piazza came over for prospect Preston Wilson in 1998.