The Mets have been eying J.T. Snow as a potential replacement for an underperforming Doug Mientkiewicz. Snow would like to stay put, though, and not just through the season. "I'd like to retire as a Giant," he said Thursday. "I'd like to play one more here at least. I'll be 38. The (baseball) labor deal is up after next year. I've already been through two long, drawn-out things, and I don't want to go through another one." A year ago, Snow said he wanted to return for 2005 knowing he might share first base with Pedro Feliz. Instead he has platooned with rookie Lance Niekro, who could be the everyday first baseman next year. Asked if he would be satisfied backing up Niekro, Snow said, "At this point in my career I probably would be." At the same time, Snow will be a free agent this winter and would listen to teams recruiting him as an everyday player.