KW says that, given salary escalation, it's unlikely the Sox will sign Crede to an extension:

"Everybody knows how I feel about Joe Crede. I wish I could have him on the club the next five years. But I do not anticipate any long-term deal there. I don't see that happening under the current landscape." That's too bad. If they're worried about Crede's back holding up over a 5 year-deal, it's sort of understandable. I think Fields will be the Sox 3B by 2008 at the latest. And I think that's probably too bad as well.

Other info in the article: KW dismissed a Figgins for Crede swap ("scoffed at"), and van Dyck lists Crede, Anderson, Garcia, and Buehrle as available for trade (although that's just him saying they could be...who knows if Anderson and Crede are actively being shopped).

The most worrying thing in the article is that KW sounds as if he isn't planning on any FA signings due to the inflated market. But Delucci just signed a contract that's reasonable and Wolf did (or will) as well I think. So there are guys out there that aren't asking for crazy money. That makes me think that the Sox payroll is pretty much a its ceiling as everything sits.  

[editor's note, by thewizardsofoz] Added Ken Williams quote.