Article: Chris Carpenter says he's ready to start the season.

Byline: Rick Hummel

JUPITER, Fla. _ The gestures weren't ostentatious by any barometer, but the meaning was clear.

Before the St. Louis Cardinals' exhibition game against the Florida Marlins on Thursday, Tony La Russa walked past righthander Chris Carpenter on his way to his office in the clubhouse and chucked Carpenter on the shoulder. Carpenter tapped the embattled _ at least for this day _ Cardinals manager on the backside.

Asked if there was significance in his action, Carpenter said, "Absolutely. I'm just letting him know that everything will be all right."

In a professional sense, it is already all right for Carpenter, who will be the Cardinals' opening ...

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