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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Mariners, Athletics Tour Disaster Zone in Japan  —  ISHINOMAKI, Japan (AP) — Members of the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners got a firsthand look at the devastation from the earthquake and tsunami on Tuesday when they visited one of the towns hit hardest by last year's disaster in Japan.

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 …

Matt Carpenter earns a job  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • One Carpenter is back, but not really, for the Cardinals.  The other isn't going back, at least not for now.  —  Ailing pitcher Chris Carpenter returned to Cardinals camp on Monday but is on a “rest” program before he attempts to strengthen …