Tough to root for these hard-working to lose

I'm torn about these Bulls.

Initially, like many, I was onboard the tank-it-the-rest-of-the-season train.

But …:Even though it goes against what's best for the organization down the road, there's something refreshing about these guys.Low-key, hard-working #8230; and man, they never give up!Gotta admit I'm digging it.Sad day:First came word Thursday that The Professor had passed.Hours later it was Reuben Kincaid. All I can say is that wherever you are right now Mr. Carlin from #8220;The Bob Newhart Show,#8221; for crying out loud, be careful.Hard-hitting journalism:Actual back-and-forth with Bryan Bickell this week:Me: Q really calls you Picklehead?Bickell: He does.Me: Really?Bickell: Yup.Me: During games?Bickell: Yeah, when he calls out lines, for example, he'll go, #8216;Zeus #8230; Steeger #8230;. Picklehead.'Me: Wow.Fascinating:I know.Don't look now:But Coach Q might have himself a Kentucky Derby contender in Midnight Hawk, winner of last weekend's Sham Stakes at Santa Anita.The horse is co-owned by Q, Mike Pegram and former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice, among others.And yeah:I checked, the Derby is May 3 and the Hawks' regular season ends April 27. RIF #8230; reading is fun:Cute piece at Forbes.com titled, #8220;What is it about the Blackhawks and Horse Racing?#8221;Absolute wordsmith:Arlington's monthly newsletter continues to be a must read for any racing fan.Among the many items that caught my eye in the latest edition was that officials at Gulfstream Park honored late trainer Danny Miller with a video tribute and by naming a race after him.Well deserved for the former Palatine resident and all-around good guy.Let's hope Arlington follows suit this summer.Question:Who's the khakiest of them all: Jim Harbaugh or Rick Steves?Oh so close:Well, my preseason Seahawks-Texans Super Bowl matchup isn't gonna happen, but I think a Broncos-Seahawks showdown would be amazing on so many levels.Having said that, enjoy the 49ers and Pats in two weeks!BTW:Still can't believe they'll be playing for all the marbles at Giants Stadium.It's not gonna sink in until I actually see it.All couch, all day:You better believe that'll be the case Sunday, starting with the Hawks-Bruins in the morning and then followed by the two NFL games.The only question is the menu: Big sandwich(es) or Za?Awkwwwwward unveiling:I'm not seething about Clark, but I just don't understand why, when the Cubs announced their new mascot, they sent out photos of a cartoon Clark rather than the #8220;real#8221; thing.Might've saved them lot of aggravation. Somewhere:Staley is laughing.BTW:Best Clark ever is Griswald.Finish on a high note:Winter is more than halfway over.If that doesn't make you smile, try Googling Andy Reid, Punt Pass and Kick.Always works for me.mspellman@dailyherald.com