Red Sox ink Brian Daubach

BOSTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- After a year in Chicago, Brian Daubach is returning to Boston.

The veteran first baseman/designated hitter has signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox that includes an invitation to spring training. He played for the White Sox in 2003, hitting .230 with six homers and 21 RBI in 183 at-bats.

"We never wanted to leave Boston to start with," Daubach told the Boston Globe. "When the Sox had interest, we decided to go back home."

Daubach, 31, was a virtual regular for the Sox in his previous four-year stint with the team, rotating between first base and DH. If he makes the parent club, he likely will play more of a supplemental role in 2004. Kevin Millar and David Ortiz, who fill similar roles, both are coming off career years and will be back next season.

Daubach hit 20-plus homers in his first four seasons with the Red Sox, a feat done only by Ted Williams, Tony Conigliaro, Jim Rice, and Nomar Garciaparra in team history.