Chris Carpenter (neck) threw a bullpen session Friday. Carp played catch Wednesday and long-tossed Thursday and evidently felt well enough to take it to the mound. It's good news for the right-hander, though it's still not clear when he'll be able to appear in a game. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Carp wouldn't necessarily have to face live hitters before appearing in a game, so it sounds like he could conceivably see some Grapefruit League action shortly. Even if he continues to progress, it still seems like a better bet that Carp will start the season on the DL or the Cards will at least hold him back until they need a fifth starter.