The Cardinals could have Chris Carpenter make one or possibly two fewer spring training starts than normal this year. Carpenter threw a whopping 273 innings between the regular season and playoffs last year, so the team wants to save as many bullets as they can. Other than a stiff back that's the result of a two-day drive from St. Louis to Florida for spring training, the veteran righty feels fine physically, but the Cards could choose to be proactive. "It's all going to be based on how he feels," pitching coach Derek Lilliquist said. "He's experienced enough that he knows to be prepared for the season. We'll adjust it and tailor it as we see fit."