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.

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.

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.

Valentine dismisses report of wedge with GM  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine was not amused at all by a recent Boston Globe report that suggested a wedge between he and general manager Ben Cherington over some upcoming roster decisions.  —  “I think it's lazy journalism,” said Valentine.

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 …

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.

Sources: Joba to set record straight on injury  —  New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain is expected to meet with reporters Tuesday to set the record straight about his ankle injury, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.  —  Chamberlain will tell reporters that when he was hurt last week …

Yankees' Phil Hughes wraps up spot in starting rotation early: source  —  Puts nightmare of '11 season behind him with revived fastball  —  Phil Hughes has plenty of reason to smile as he wraps up a spot in the starting rotation, a source says.  —  TAMPA — The Yankees are unlikely …

Who Had The Better Slider: Dave Stieb or Steve Carlton? … Steve Carlton, a hall-of-fame left handed pitcher best known for his play with the Philadelphia Phillies, had one of the filthiest sliders from the left side in the history of the game:  —  Dave Stieb, a right-handed pitcher …

Grabow exercises out clause, gets released  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Veteran reliever John Grabow exercised the out clause in his Minor League contract Monday and was granted his unconditional release by the Dodgers to pursue a job elsewhere.  —  Grabow pitched well for the Dodgers this spring …

Blue Jays' Dustin McGowan expects quick recovery from foot injury  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dustin McGowan knows this injury, and he is not worried.  —  “It's still a little tender, but it's getting better, actually,” the Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander said Monday after undergoing treatment …