While the big-market options appear to be dwindling for free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, the New York Mets nevertheless have checked in with the White Sox regarding a potential trade for their closer, Bobby Jenks.

The Mets believe their farm system has become deep enough, some nine months after weakening it to acquire Johan Santana from the Twins, to make another high-impact trade. They have expressed interest in Seattle's J.J. Putz and Huston Street, who went from Oakland to Colorado in the Matt Holliday trade and could be dealt again.

Yet the Mets don't love Street, and the Mariners, who want to contend in 2009, could hold onto Putz.

Jenks, who will turn 28 in March, took over as the White Sox's closer late in the 2005 season and proceeded to record the final out of Chicago's World Series triumph. He has put together three full, average-to-very-good campaigns as the White Sox's closer.

Interestingly, in 2008, the righthander's strikeout count dipped to 38 in 61 2/3 innings, after fanning 56 in 65 innings the previous year.

The White Sox are looking to move someone among a group of veterans including Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome, with Jenks and Nick Swisher available only for a higher price. That price could change, however, as the offseason progresses.

The Mets, meanwhile, seem inclined to make a run at free agents first. They think the trade market will materialize more at the winter meetings Dec. 8-11 in Las Vegas.

The free-agent market for closers continues to look favorable to the Mets. On Wednesday, in a radio interview, Angels owner Arte Moreno further distanced himself from K-Rod.

"I think as a whole, we're probably turning the page on this one," Moreno said on "The Sports Lodge," which is broadcast on KLAA in Southern California. "I think that we as an organization made this decision. And I'm not one of these 'never, never' people. I'm saying, I think as a whole, it's important to turn the page and move forward, and get prepared to do some of the other things we want to do."

The Angels intend to aggressively pursue free agents CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira.

"It would be kind of surprising," K-Rod's agent, Paul Kinzer, said of Moreno's comments, "but he runs the team."

In addition to Rodriguez, the Mets also have interest in free- agent closers Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood.

"I think Fuentes is right up there at the same caliber (as K-Rod)," David Wright said last night at an annual event for his David Wright Foundation. "You've got a guy that has overpowering stuff and two- or three-plus pitches to throw."

While pitching is clearly their top priority — they want to either sign Derek Lowe or re-sign Oliver Perez — the Mets also will look to tweak their offense. Ryan Church could be traded, while lefthanded-hitting outfielder Raul Ibanez could join the Mets as a free agent.