Empyreal Environs

J. T. stands for “Jack Thomas” Snow, in case you didn’t know, not “Jaded Trouper.” He turns 38 on February 26th and as a nice pre-birthday present signed a 1-year, $2M contract with the Olde Towne Team today. The Red Sox are determined to transition Kevin Youkilis to first base, so he and Snow will split that duty. He’s Olerud Version 2 with a little less glove and pop. In addition to manning the bag at first, Snow will be able to save small children at home plate should they stray from the dugout.

Much like Kevin Millar of last season, Snow’s power dropped off precipitously; his slugging went from .529 in 2004 to .365 in 2005. But unlike Millar, Snow is a steady clubhouse presence. What he lacks in charisma and quotations he makes up for with the his calming veteran presence. He’s been in the presence of egos the size of steroid-distorted skulls so he will likely be able to withstand the media glare of Boston. As long as he doesn’t go the way of Tony Clark circa 2002, this will improve the team for 2006.