Today’s press conference to introduce Ben Cherington as the new general manager of the Red Sox also brought some news about one of Boston’s most talked-about pitchers: John Lackey — who had the worst season of his career in 2011, pitching to a 6.41 ERA with a 1.619 WHIP — will undergo Tommy John surgery, and will miss the 2012 season. Cherington said that Lackey had experienced elbow soreness this year, and had his elbow checked out after the season. (Via Boston.com, Cherington also said that Lackey “was dealing with some stuff both on the field and off the field that were really difficult.”) Still, the righty might as well just legally change his name to Free Agent Bust John Lackey, since that’s how he’ll be referred to for the foreseeable future. [Boston.com]