The Mets initiated talks with free agent closers Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes on Tuesday, according to sources on both ends of the negotiations. Fuentes' agent described Minaya as a suitor while Rodriguez's said that he expected to have more substantial discussions with Minaya before the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas next month. New York is also considering Kerry Wood and all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman although the 41-year-old Hoffman would be a short-term fall-back option.