"Chris Carpenter has already told Cardinals manager Tony La Russa in no uncertain terms that he is ready, willing and able to start Friday's Game 7 of the World Series against the Rangers. In the immediate aftermath of Game 6, La Russa was still unwilling to name Carpenter his starting pitcher.

But all evidence points in one direction.

"Why wouldn't you want the ball?" Carpenter said. "If you don't, then you might as well go home." "