Catching up with pitcher Lackey  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - He was the poster boy for bad behavior last year.  In a season of Red Sox woes, nobody sunk lower than John Lackey.  Early in the season, Lackey told us, “everything in my life sucks right now,” and then things got worse.

R.A. Dickey writes of confronting darker sides of human nature … From WHEREVER I WIND UP: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball, by R.A. Dickey with Wayne Coffey, published by arrangement with Blue Rider Press, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright © 2012 by R.A. Dickey.

Rockies release Casey Blake  —  The Casey Blake experiment ended before it started, with the Rockies releasing the veteran today.  —  Looking to bridge third base before the arrival of top prospect Nolan Arenado at some point this season, the Rockies signed Blake to a non-guaranteed $2 million contract in December.

Postseason prognostication is perilous  —  Here's how brilliant my picks were in 2011:  —  I went 1-for-6 in division winners, getting it right only with the Philadelphia Phillies.  —  My other selections — cover your children's eyes — were the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies in the NL …

Cubs' trade rumors focus on Marlon Byrd  —  The Cubs are said to be listening to offers from the Nationals and Braves involving outfielder Marlon Byrd.  Brian Kersey~AP  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Brett Jackson era for the Cubs could start sooner than many might have thought …

Giants' Employee Sentenced to 21 Months for Embezzlement  —  San Francisco, CA - A San Francisco Giants payroll manager who admitted to embezzling $2.2 million from the baseball team was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Monday after a hearing.  The Giants opposed her request for leniency.

Phillies trim roster, cut three  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies' Opening Day roster continued to crystallize this morning as the Phillies sent three more players to minor league camp, leaving the number of players in major league camp at 37.  —  The team has until Wednesday …

Rays set plans: Niemann in rotation, Davis in bullpen  —  UPDATE, 10:26: Niemann said he looked at it as a “win-win” for the organization, and that he was pleased to retain his spot.  “It's one of those things that's always there but it's not really weighing on you, but just to have the whole …

Allen named first baseman for opener in Tokyo  —  TOKYO — Bob Melvin wouldn't reveal his entire Opening Day roster Tuesday, but the A's manager did disclose his starting first baseman: Brandon Allen.  —  The decision comes just one day after Kila Ka'aihue, who was also in the mix for the starting job …

On ATL-flavored HOF stretch, bullpen options, 3rd in East?  —  DARK STAR, Fla. - Before we discuss the challenges facing the Braves in the season that starts next week and how their proposed trade for Carlos Lee - wait, he was kidding? - could help a lot in that regard, let me first mention something …

Vladimir Guerrero works out in DR  —  Vladimir Guerrero worked out for Cleveland Indians scouts at the club's academy in the Dominican Republic, sources told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com.  —  Guerrero  —  “Guerrero was here today at the Indians' academy in Bocachica,” said one source.

Mets to honor Carter on Opening Day  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Mets will honor late Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter on Opening Day, with Carter's family participating in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field.  —  Carter's wife, Sandy, son, D.J., and daughters, Kimmy and Christy …