Colvin gets start in crowded outfield

Tyler Colvin made his first start in the Cubs outfield Monday since May 9, and general manager Jim Hendry said he'll keep an eye on the situation with the rookie.

Colvin was the Cubs' best hitter in spring training, and manager Lou Piniella said he needed to find Colvin two or three starts a week. That hasn't happened, and Piniella grew testy Sunday when asked about it.

Hendry said it's not time yet to consider sending Colvin to Class AAA Iowa for at-bats. He cited the good play of veteran outfielders Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Marlon Byrd as making it difficult to find time for Colvin.

"In that regard, Lou's in a very tough spot because, not that we weren't expecting good things out of our other players, but I think we were all pleasantly pleased with Fuke out of the gate," Hendry said. "Sori, after the first week or so, has played really well. Marlon's been terrific.

"And so when guys are playing really well and they match up well with certain pitchers - the last couple weeks that's been the case - we'd like to have Tyler get some more at-bats, but it's really hard to be critical of Lou because the other guys are playing so well-We'll be very cognizant of Tyler's future, too. In fairness to the kid, he's held together pretty well. He's still contributed when he's played."

One more day: Ryan Theriot didn't start Monday after getting Sunday off as he rests a sore left elbow. Theriot was hit by a pitch in Saturday's game against the Pirates.

"It's good," Theriot said. "Lou said he wanted to give me one more day to try to get the swelling out. I feel fine."

Special guest: Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will be a guest of the Cubs on Tuesday night. She will deliver the game ball to the umpires before the game. She'll also join Len Kasper and Bob Brenly in the TV booth.

O'Connor is involved in ourcourts.org, a web-based education project to teach students civics.