From Peter MacNichol, the actor who plays John Cage..."I have a very disappointing answer. I have no idea where that
name came from. I don't think David Kelley knows either. At this point,I
don't think I want to know. There's no possible application of that word
that is flattering to the human body. Puffy, doughy, brown and serve, none
flattering..."
David E. Kelley, the creator and writer of the show said that he imagined John Cage looking like the Pillsbury Dough boy when he was a kid - who was poked and prodded by his friends.