The wheels are finally starting to turn for the Mets when it comes to finding a new closer.
MITCHELL REPORT: ONE YEAR LATER
Sources on both sides said GM Omar Minaya initiated talks yesterday with free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, the first step in a process that could soon result in a contract offer to one of them.
A source close to Fuentes described Minaya’s contact as a precursor to a possible free-agent visit by the former Rockie.
Rodriguez’s agent said he expects more substantive discussions with the Mets before the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas next month.
Minaya and the Mets have had Fuentes’ medical information for more than a week but only received Rodriguez’s medical report Monday afternoon due to what K-Rod’s agent said was a “miscommunication” with the Angels, Rodriguez’s former team.
The Mets also are considering former Cubs closer Kerry Wood and all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, although the 41-year-old Hoffman would be a short-term fall-back option due to his age.
The Mets are in need of a closer after Billy Wagner most likely was lost for the entire 2009 season due to Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
Meanwhile, sources told The Post’s Joel Sherman yesterday that the Mets nearly acquired set-up man Huston Street from the Rockies for reliever Aaron Heilman but backed off when Colorado wanted fellow reliever Pedro Feliciano added to the deal.
bhubbuch@nypost.com