he White Sox could avoid arbitration with third baseman Joe Crede for a second straight year, as the two sides are engaged in talks about a new contract that include one-year and multiyear proposals. The Sox and Crede's agent, Scott Boras, are scheduled to exchange salary arbitration figures Tuesday, but sources indicated it might not get that far. Crede earned $2.675 million last season, plus $200,000 in incentives. He figures to settle for between $5 million and $6 million after hitting .283 with 30 homers and 94 RBIs. General manager Ken Williams has said he expected to trade Crede before he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season, but Williams is not believed to be directly involved in the negotiations.