Piniella interested only in production, not names

Maybe it was a shot at his high-priced players, or maybe it was Cubs manager Lou Piniella stating the obvious Sunday.

Piniella was asked if he could have envisioned the "talent level" on the Cubs playing so poorly.

"I would tell you that I didn't think that would happen," he said. "We've struggled. We've struggled in areas. We give up a lot of runs late, and we haven't hit really good with men in scoring position.

"Don't let names fool you. Production wins. We're confident that we'll get it going. You've got to score more runs consistently. We've got to keep the (other) team from scoring, especially late."

Tyler who? Rookie outfielder Tyler Colvin has gone a whole week without starting. In spring training, Lou Piniella said he had to get Colvin at-bats. That has not been happening, but the Cubs veteran outfielders have played well.

"He needs to play?" an irritated Piniella said. "What we need to do is win. We keep talking about at-bats for people. We've talked about people needing to play. We talk about everything but winning baseball games.

"That's what the (heck) I want to talk about, is winning baseball games, period. I think that's what's really important. OK?

"Outside of that, I'd like to see people get hot and stay hot and win games. And everything will take care of itself. I wouldn't be getting these answers or asking these questions day in and day out, OK, and having to make excuses and everything else, OK?"

Theriot hurting: Second baseman Ryan Theriot did not start Sunday. He was hit by a pitch on his left elbow Saturday, and Lou Piniella said Theriot's range of motion was limited.

Theriot wore a bandage on the elbow during batting practice.

The Cubs need more from Theriot out of the leadoff spot. He's 3-for-17 on the homestand, and he has not drawn a walk since May 1.