"Righthander Chris Carpenter has pitched in just one All-Star Game, the 2005 game he started for the National League. But Carpenter said Monday that instead of pitching in his second All-Star Game tonight — he was on the 2006 roster but didn't play — he would rather see first-time All-Star Adam Wainwright get a chance to pitch.

"There's no question about it. And I'm going to tell Mr. Manuel that," Carpenter said, referring to National League manager Charlie Manuel of Philadelphia.

Wainwright, told by his Cardinals All-Star teammates to soak up as much of the All-Star atmosphere as he can, said, "I have no expectations or no understanding of how this works. I'm used to watching this game on TV while I'm making a hamburger."

Actually, Wainwright is more likely to pitch than Carpenter because he finished just ahead of Carpenter for the No. 5 spot in the balloting by the players, who chose five starting pitchers. And Manuel isn't likely to employ two starters from the same team.

On the other hand, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wouldn't be too happy with Manuel using both Cardinals pitchers as the teams have a four-game series next week."