Geoff Blum, who was traded from the San Diego to the Chicago White Sox in the middle of last season and went on to become a hero in the World Series, has returned to the Padres by coming to terms on a one-year contract. Dealt from the Padres to the White Sox at the non-waiver trading deadline on July 31, Blum only figured in Chicago's plans because of his versatility and defensive skills. However, he hit a tie-breaking homer with two outs in the 14th inning in his first career World Series at-bat during the White Sox' 7-5 win over the Astros in Game 3 of the World Series. Chicago would sweep Houston for its first World Series title since 1917. The 32-year-old Blum batted .229 with six home runs, 15 doubles and 25 RBI in 109 combined games between the Padres and White Sox in 2005. He started at all four infield positions for the sixth consecutive season. Blum has also played with Montreal (1999-2001), Houston (2002-03) and Tampa Bay (2004) and has a career batting average of .251 with 62 home runs and 277 RBI in 791 games. Blum is the first free agent to sign this offseason. The Padres are also reportedly close to a deal to acquire outfielder Mike Cameron from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Xavier Nady.