But What Do I Know? … Tommy Lasorda, Brian Butterfield, J.P. Ricciardi

My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories:

 From the things I never thought I’d see file: Tommy Lasorda is on Twitter (@TommyLasorda). Here’s a sample tweet from the Dodgers legend and Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer: I can’t wait to get a free serving of @PandaExpress Golden Treasure Shrimp today: http://bit.ly/dGV0B2. Man I love Panda!

 The biggest “injury” for the Blue Jays this spring has been Brian Butterfield’s 10-day bout with the flu. One of the best infield coaches in the business, Butterfield’s expertise is desperately needed by Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion, as they learn the nuances of first base.

 I’m not sure what I ate before I went to bed on Sunday night, but I had this bizarre dream that former Toronto Blue Jay and Montreal Expo Jose Canseco was arguing with Survivor champ Richard Hatch and Partridge Family star David Cassidy in Donald Trump’s boardroom. Wait a second, that was real. That’s what happened on the first episode of the wacky new season of Celebrity Apprentice.

 Sorry Jays fans, I know you hate him, but J.P. Ricciardi deserves some credit for the Jays’ surplus of good young arms. Ricky Romero, Brett Cecil, Jesse Litsch, Marc Rzepczynski, Zach Stewart, Casey Janssen and David Purcey were all drafted or acquired by Ricciardi. The much-maligned former general manager also acquired bullpen staples Jason Frasor and Shawn Camp during his reign in Toronto.

 Congratulations to London, Ont., native Jamie Romak who belted a two-run homer for the Kansas City Royals in their 8-2 win over the Angels on March 3. After the game, Royals teammate Mitch Maier told the Kansas City Star, “How about Romak? First live pitch he’s seen all spring, and he hits it 500 feet.”

 If Scott Podsednik, whose primary asset is his speed, has chronic plantar fasciitis, I’m not sure how useful he can be for the Jays. Unless Podsednik magically heals in the next couple of weeks, Corey Patterson would be my fourth outfielder.

 Mark my words Langley, B.C. native Brett Lawrie – as long as he stays off Facebook (see Deadspin photos) – will become one of the most popular players ever to wear a Blue Jay uniform.

 Bob Elliott, acclaimed Toronto Sun baseball writer and winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jack Graney Award, has outdone himself with his new Canadian Baseball Network website. The Hall of Fame scribe deserves a cyber standing ovation for his commitment and dedication to Canadian baseball. Check out the new site here: www.canadianbaseballnetwork.com

 Do yourself a favour and take the time to read Tom Hawthorn’s wonderfully moving story about Conrado Marrero, the oldest living ex-major leaguer. A Globe and Mail regular, Hawthorn is one of Canada’s most gifted writers. Here is the link: http://is.gd/4xRtV7