Thursday, outfielder Jason Bay rejected a 4 year-60 million dollar offer from the Red Sox, making him one in line with a few ball players, who have dismissed a stuck-in-the-recession deal.

Angels owner Arte Moreno told the Los Angeles Times today, that their team is not interested in outfielder Matt Holliday. So what’s stopping them from adding another outfielder, with unsung talents and a powerful OPS? Bay is on their radar.

Free-agent pitcher John Lackey is also on the market, and it’s even more interesting that Lackey and Bay share the same agent. Bay peaked Moreno’s interests because of his “great bat and great makeup,” and maybe because Bay is not akin to staying in Boston. At 15 million a year, how far is Jason willing to go before tarnishing his fresh, “hometown” reputation? The Red Sox have Bay’s contract as a high priority, but if the next offer is rejected, controversy could stir.

What’s he really expecting anyways? Gordon Edes from ESPNBoston.com is suggesting that Bay is interested in deals upwards of 100 million, with guys like Carlos Lee (six years, $100 million), Alfonso Soriano (eight years, $136 million) and Torii Hunter (five years, $90 million). Julio Lugo got 14 million. As did Orlando Cabrera. Is Jason really worth 20 mill a year? Or does a change in uniform best fit the player? We all know what the Yankees are willing to bargain – 80 million and a pound of gold.

The former Pittsburgh Pirate has put up great numbers since joining Boston. In 2008, Bay hit .293 with 37 RBIs and a .527 slugging percentage. In 09, improved with 36 HRs, 119 RBIs, a .537 SLG, and even higher OPS, OBP. He also boasts 12 more home runs and higher OPS numbers than counter-part Matt Holliday.

The Angels are deciding between Chone Figgins and Lackey, but if Lackey’s agent has anything to do with it, I’m sure he’d encourage both his clients to dig their heals into LA.

These guys are baseball players and fiery negotiators; they’ll go wherever the gold is.