BOSTON — If they had their choice, Sean Casey and Alex Cora both would like to play for the Red Sox again next season.

Those two, both free agents, were among the few players in the team clubhouse yesterday afternoon after the 5 a.m. arrival from Tampa.

“I love it here,” Cora said. “It’s something we’ve got to look at. … We’ll go through the right channels and see what happens.”

Cora, a favorite of manager Terry Francona and a potential manager-in-waiting, might not have control. If Julio Lugo returns, Cora could be out, since Jed Lowrie has established himself. If the Sox decide to deal Lugo, it likely would help Cora’s chances.

Casey will weigh his options

Casey spent more time than anyone in the clubhouse, saying thanks to club employees, happily talking about the season and about his experience with the Sox. The 11-year veteran, called “The Mayor” because of his glib personality, is not likely to return because of his age.

He loved having the chance to play in Boston.

“It is different. It’s great,” he said. “It’s different because these fans are like no other. The passion they have for this team is like no other. Fenway Park is like no other. … Being here as a player you can really appreciate it.

“I love it here. I’d love to stay in Boston. I’m going to look at the offseason, see what’s going on, take a deep breath, get back to my family, get back to Pittsburgh.”

Casey spoke about how enjoyable it was to take part in the postseason for only the second time in his career and about how Sox fans should not take it granted.

Around the bases

Mike Timlin, another of the free agents whose career could be over, declined to talk about his situation. … Lowrie spoke about how he will go to the Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona between now and Christmas, then head to Tampa to work with his regular trainer. … Jeff Bailey picked up a couple of uniforms with his name on the back, chatted with Gil Velazquez, then headed home.

pkenyon@projo.com