Major League Baseball typically shuts down for the final week of the calendar year, but the Red Sox nonetheless were awaiting word last night regarding their pursuit of first baseman J.T. Snow. According to Dan Horwits, who represents Snow, the player and agent were hoping to decide on a new team before the end of this week. Horwits said earlier in the week that as many as four teams were interested in his client, including the Red Sox. While Horwits would not disclose the identity of those clubs, baseball sources have ruled out the New York Yankees, who will use the right-handed hitting Andy Phillips to back up Jason Giambi. There had been some speculation that the Yankees also were eyeing Snow as a late-inning defensive replacement. The Sox intend to use Snow as a complement to the right-handed hitting Kevin Youkilis at first base. Snow, 37, is a career .268 hitter over parts of 14 major league seasons. He is a six-time winner of the Gold Glove award at first base.