J.T. Snow will retire as a Giant

J.T. Snow will retire as a Giant

(09-24) 22:12 PDT San Francisco -- Imagine J.T. Snow's emotions when he takes first base Saturday night as a member of the Giants' starting lineup. Those who want to see him play against the Dodgers, however, will be disappointed.

The team signed Snow to a one-day contract so he can wear No. 6 a final time and retire as a Giant, providing the closure that eluded him as his career ended quietly with Boston in 2006. Snow hesitated before signing the contract at a news conference Wednesday, saying, "I need to check. Maybe it says 'a year.' "

It is a real contract, not ceremonial, that will pay him about $2,100, a one-day portion of the big-league minimum.

General manager Brian Sabean said he informed the commissioner's office of the Giants' plan for Snow and the rest of the team to take the field a few minutes early Saturday. Snow then would be replaced before the game begins.

Sabean and Snow go way back. In fact, Sabean was scouting director for the Yankees when they signed him out of college.

"I think it's a good statement as to what we think of J.T. personally and professionally," Sabean said. "J.T. was one of our most popular players and certainly one of our most professional."

Snow, who works for the Giants as a part-time coach and broadcaster, said it will be a "neat feeling" to take the field again. Even though he can still pick it at first base during batting practice, he has no intention of playing an inning.

"I don't know where some of my equipment is," he said. "If you're an infielder, you don't take the field without certain equipment."

Lowry ailing: Noah Lowry could be excused for feeling cursed. All of his setbacks seemed to be behind him this summer as he recovered from spring surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves in his left forearm. He was hoping to start facing hitters in instructional league this week. Now, he is back on the shelf.

Lowry has developed some discomfort behind his left elbow and has stopped throwing, manager Bruce Bochy said. He is having tests to determine its source.

Lowry hopes to pitch for Mazatlan in the winter Mexican League. Asked Wednesday if Lowry will be able to, Bochy said, "I'd at least say the early part of it is out. You're concerned, when he's had the setbacks he's had. We do have all winter to get it right and get him on track. It's got to be hard for him. He's got to be discouraged and frustrated."

Briefly: Travis Ishikawa was unavailable to play after his wife, Rochelle, gave birth to a girl Wednesday. ... Aaron Rowand won the 2008 Bill Rigney Good Guy Award, presented by the local chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America for cooperation with the press.