Random News of the Day: A collection of thoughts

Thursday, July 22, 2010
12:02 PM

By Joe Collins
CSNChicago.com

Random thoughts and observations, in no particular order...
You may run like Hayes, but you hit like ... I always thought that a good choice for the next manager of the Chicago Cubs would be someone who didn't tolerate a lot of egos, poor fundamentals and bad attitudes. You know, someone like Lou Brown from "Major League." I was really sad last Friday when I found out that James Gammon, who played the dour, blunt, cactus-voiced and amusing manager from that classic 1989 movie, had died at the age of 70. I only wish that all professional coaches and managers were as cold-heartedly honest as "Lou Brown." If only, right? Funny ... did you know that James Gammon has Illinois connections? He was born and raised in the town of Newman -- just south of Champaign. Heres an idea: somebody needs to erect a statue in Newman's downtown area with the inscription, "We're contenders now." Oooh. Chills.

Place your bets? A sports betting Web site has compiled a list of potential candidates to succeed Lou Piniella as Cubs manager. I have a few sources who have given me some late additions to the list:

Ryne Sandberg: 72

Joe Girardi: 51

Alan Trammell: 112

Bob Brenly: 61

Joe Torre: 61

Bobby Valentine: 132

Tony La Russa: 152

Field: 21

Montgomery Burns: 2001

Terry Bevington: 5001

Jimmy Dugan: 7501

Manny Trillo, Doug Dascenzo, Hector Villanueva: 8001 (each)

Bruce Kimm: 10001
Don't I Know You? So I'm watching this Rod Blagojevich nonsense on TV and I get the feeling that, for some strange reason, Patti Blagojevich looks a little like Yo Adrian! from the "Rocky" movies (Talia Shire).

Don't I Know You? (Part 2): While we're on the subject, San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is a combination of these five people:

1. Mitch Kramer (Wiley Wiggins) from "Dazed And Confused"

2. Haley Joel I See Dead People Osment

3. Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) from the movie "Kids"

4. Michael Phelps

5. Ferris Bueller's Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck)

Just trust me on those.

And finally: A tip of the cap is in order for the athletes, supporters and organizers of the National Junior Disability Championships this week in the northern suburbs. More than 300 athletes from across the country, who have significant physical and visual disabilities, are competing for medals in such areas as swimming, track & field, basketball, rock climbing, archery and many others. These athletes aspire to make it to a future US Paralympics and it was truly amazing to see the effort and determination firsthand during Tuesday's pentathlon. If you're looking to cheer on some real heroes this Friday and Saturday, check out their Web site.

One more week until Bears training camp, folks. The plot on another 8-8 season is about to thicken.

Or something like that.

Joe Collins is an assignment desk editor for Comcast SportsNet and contributor to CSNChicago.com.