PHILADELPHIA -- J.T. Snow would rather get more playing time than be a spare part on a winning team.
Disappointed that he's started four games since joining the Boston Red Sox, the veteran first baseman said Friday he would like to go elsewhere.
"I'm not bitter or unhappy. I was brought here in case certain things didn't work out, but they're working out," Snow said before the AL East-leading Red Sox opened a three-game series against the Phillies. "I'm just an insurance policy right now. To wait around for an injury is not a good position to be in."
Snow signed a $2 million, one-year contract in January, giving the Red Sox flexibility at first base. A six-time Gold Glove winner from 1995 to 2000, Snow spent the last nine seasons with San Francisco. He entered the year batting .268 with 189 homers and 873 RBI in 14 major-league seasons.
While Kevin Youkilis has emerged as an everyday starter for the Red Sox, Snow went into Friday's game with two at-bats this month.
"The more you sit around, the more you feel that each day that passes is another day in your career that's gone," the 38-year-old Snow. "This is something different for me. It's not fair to myself or the team."
Snow struck out in his only at-bat in Wednesday's 4-3 loss at Baltimore, dropping his average to .190 (4-for-21) with one RBI. He hit .275 with 17 doubles, four homers and 40 RBI in 117 games last season and batted .313 with runners in scoring position.
Snow's best offensive season came in 1997, his first year with the Giants, when he hit .281 with 28 home runs and 104 RBI. He helped San Francisco win the NL pennant in 2002 and batted .407 (11-for-27) with a homer, four RBI and six runs scored in the World Series, which the Giants lost in seven games to the Angels.
"This was the best option," Snow said of his offseason considerations. "I understand the situation fully. The organization and the team has been great."
Red Sox manager Terry Francona praised Snow for his professionalism and said he hoped the situation will be resolved soon.
"J.T. has handled this real well," Francona said.
David Ortiz started at first base against the Phillies because the designated hitter isn't used in interleague games at NL stadiums.