"We don't have to schedule meetings [with other teams] because we've had conversations with people throughout the year," Williams said. "As soon as the off-season starts and throughout the general managers' meetings, I have a read for our club's needs or our opposition's desires.

"So there is no script we have to follow. I don't [do] meetings that haven't already produced some substance in conversation. Give me an idea on what you want to do, and I will tell you if there is a need for us to sit down. I think it's false hustle."

At least one opposing general manager suspected the trades of Nick Swisher and Javier Vazquez that cleared nearly $17 million for 2009 have paved the way for Williams to land a marquee free agent.

Williams recalled the trade of Carlos Lee to Milwaukee that enabled him to make moves for 2005 with $10 million freed up.

But much of the recent savings, Williams said, was reinvested in the acquisition of Cuban third baseman Dayan Viciedo, whose $11 million signing could be announced Friday.

"That has been part of our mode of operation, and it will continue to be," Williams said of moving a large-salaried player to acquire other players. "But I'm not going to say that's going to happen in this particular case because I don't know what's going to happen for the next eight weeks."

That's especially so with the market flooded with free agents. That could allow Williams to make a thrifty signing.

Extra innings: The Sox don't expect to select a player in Thursday's Rule 5 draft but fear they could lose one unprotected on the 40-man roster. They have 11 players signed for 2009 at more than $82 million.

That includes right fielder Jermaine Dye, who could be dealt before the start of spring training. Closer Bobby Jenks is expected to see his salary jump from $525,000 to more than $5 million as a first-year arbitration-eligible player.

Jenks' agent, Greg Genske, said he hasn't had any talks with the Sox but added he wasn't concerned.

"Right now, we're bumping up against our [payroll] limit," Williams said. ...

Williams was aware of the perception that he has emptied manager Ozzie Guillen's doghouse with the trading of Swisher and Vazquez and the decision not to re-sign Orlando Cabrera.

"If there's not a fit, either by performance or by attitude or by personality or whatever, I'm a believer in that," Williams said. "You want a cohesive environment. I don't mind a little bit of friction, but I still want everyone pulling from the same rope."

mgonzales@tribune.com