FORT MYERS, Fla. — How bad was it?

Despite popular perception, John Lackey wasn’t a total meatball artist last year. In 33 starts, Lackey went 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA. He led the Sox with 215 innings and struck out 156. Only 14 American League pitchers won more games than Lackey. So how come Lackey gets the Way Back Wasdin treatment everywhere he goes?

Probably because of the five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed before the start of last season. It might also have something to do with the fact that Lackey allowed 233 hits and 72 walks. He put a ton of guys on base and got a lot of wins because the Sox offense gave him plenty of support when he pitched. Oh, and let’s not forget that sun-starved stat geeks insist wins are overrated.

Was Lackey disappointed in his first season in Boston?

“Honestly, I think it was overblown a little bit,’’ the big righty said yesterday. “I’ve only won more than 14 games once [19 in 2007] in my life. I think I led the team in quality starts and innings. Whatever … that’s kind of what comes with it.’’

What makes him think the negativity was overblown?

“I’ve been asked about it about 400 times since I’ve been here,’’ he said.

“I’m not saying I pitched great. I’m not saying that at all. I definitely could have pitched better. Absolutely. I agree with that. I’m not worried about last year, honestly. I feel good about this year and I’m kind of moving forward.’’

He’s moving forward with a new body, a new defense, and even more offensive support.

Lackey was a little lumpy in 2010. Today, he’s considerably more sculpted. He did a lot of running during the offseason. He said he watched tons of “SportsCenter’’ while on the treadmill in Newport Beach. He said he’s down to 241 from 252 last year, but the differential looks greater.