"Less than 24 hours removed from throwing seven innings in Game 5, Chris Carpenter did his usual post-start workout at Busch Stadium on Tuesday. He got in a run. He played some catch.

And he declared himself ready and willing for whatever is next.

"I think everybody is available for the rest of the year, don't you?" Carpenter said. "Whatever he (manager Tony La Russa) needs me to do."

La Russa offered no hints about his plans for who will start Game 7 on Thursday, if the Cardinals are able to win tonight and force the winner-take-all finale to the World Series. He smiled when asked if Carpenter would be available for Game 7, offering only that the Cardinals "need to get there first."

The timing is tricky for Carpenter."