"I've been vocal that I want to stay here," the four-time All-Star said Thursday after reporting to spring training.

Lo Duca, who will turn 35 in April, is entering the final season of a three-year deal that will pay him $6.25 million this season. He hit a team-leading .318 last year with five home runs and 49 RBIs, helping New York win the NL East for the first time since 1988.

But some of his most important contributions came as a clubhouse leader and a steady presence behind the plate. Lo Duca helped an injury-depleted pitching staff compile the third-best ERA (4.14) in the league.

All that while hampered for much of the season by a painfully sore left thumb, which he doesn't expect to cause any problems this spring.

"The hand's fine," Lo Duca said. "I played catch a couple times and it was fine."

Mets general manager Omar Minaya said he's been in contact with Lo Duca and planned to discuss a possible contract extension with him during spring training.

"I told him I would sit down and talk with him and listen to what he has to say," Minaya said.