BOSTON (CBS) – John Lackey won’t be pitching for the Boston Red Sox during the 2012 season, but the pitcher still wants to remain around the team.

The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy caught up with Lackey in Fort Myers on Monday, who said 2011 was “pretty close’’ to being the worst year of his life.

Lackey had one of the worst seasons in MLB history, going 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA, and he knows there is just one way for the Boston fans, and media, to move on from it.

“The only way you’re going to change people’s opinions is to pitch better and win games,’’ Lackey told Shaughnessy. “It’s amazing how quickly people will forget if you win.’’

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While it seemed like he understood what last year meant for himself and the franchise, he also gave fans some more ammo when it comes to his personality. Lackey gave a few choice answers when asked about the 2011 collapse, including his performances on the hill and actions in the dugout.

“Nothing positive ever comes out of saying anything here,’’ he told Shaughnessy. “You can’t convince that many people. How do you disprove a negative? I had a different role in that clubhouse.”

98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich break down the article, and offer their take on what Lackey’s comments.