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.

Lee Pitches 6 Shutout Innings in Phillies Win  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Cliff Lee definitely looks ready for the regular season.  —  Lee pitched six scoreless innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-4 exhibition victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.

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 …

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 …

Nolasco Helps Miami Top Washington 3-1  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Ricky Nolasco breezed through the first inning in four pitches.  That made it a whole lot easier to become the first Miami starter to reach the seventh this spring.  —  Nolasco pitched 6 1-3 innings of one-run ball …

Jackson hits inside-the-park HR, Astros top Tigers  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla.—Austin Jackson hit an inside-the-park home run and Brennan Boesch also homered for the Detroit Tigers before the Houston Astros rallied for a 14-7 win Tuesday.  —  Both Detroit homers came off Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez, who gave up five runs in six innings.

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.

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 …