Now that Curt Schilling is signed, sealed and delivered, the Red Sox will focus their attention on free-agent third baseman and World Series MVP Mike Lowell.

After general manager Theo Epstein announced Schilling’s one-year deal, he was asked if the team and Lowell were close to a deal.

“We’re working at it and hopefully moving the ball forward each day,” said Epstein.

Lowell filed for free agency yesterday, but said after the club’s World Series victory that he wanted to return to Boston. His teammates have made their feelings known to management that they want him back.

The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.

“Mike’s been a staple in our lineup all year,” said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek after the club’s Game Four victory over Colorado in the World Series. “He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.”

Would you like to see him back next season, Varitek was asked.

“I would love to,” said Varitek. “He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.

-JOE McDONALD