Though he says they "haven't ruled anything out," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny conceded that getting Chris Carpenter (neck) ready by Opening Day "would be pushing it." Carpenter has progressed well recently, throwing a successful bullpen session Friday and then a 40-pitch batting practice session Sunday, but he's simply running out of time. It's not clear when he'll make his first Grapefruit League appearance, and he'll likely need at least three starts before being deemed fit for the regular season. He'll likely start the season on the disabled list or at the very least be held back until the team needs a fifth starter.