The Red Sox paid Brian Daubach $2.3 million last season, and the veteran first baseman/outfielder put up solid numbers: 20 homers, 78 RBIs and a .266 average.
But Boston declined to offer him a contract, and the White Sox signed him without having to offer any guaranteed money.
Daubach, who will be paid $450,000 if he makes the team, was one of seven players invited to spring training Monday as non-rostered players. The others were pitchers Gil Heredia, Esteban Loaiza and Brian Cooper, catchers Jamie Burke and Steven Morales, and outfielder Clifford Brumbaugh.
Sox general manager Ken Williams would rather have signed either Chuck Finley or Kenny Rogers, two veteran lefties still on the market, but their price tags were too high.
Daubach, a native of Belleville, could back up Paul Konerko at first base and fortify a bench that includes Armando Rios, Willie Harris and Tony Graffanino.
Frank Thomas said Monday he will attend SoxFest this weekend at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Call 312-674-1000.
