One player’s injury is another’s opportunity. Sensitivity be damned, fantasy owners have to process that information, make decisions and take advantage of the new-found chance a player has.

On Thursday, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus, a fine player in his own right, made the decision to undergo surgery on his right shoulder. The procedure could cost Glaus up to three months, while opening the door for a young player in the organization to claim an everyday job.

Fantasy owners are collectively rooting for 2008 draftee Brett Wallace to get a chance, but that appears unlikely. Wallace has a premier bat, but is just 54 games into his professional career.

The 22-year-old twice won the Pac-10 triple crown while at Arizona State, then was selected by the Cardinals with the 13th overall pick in the ‘08 draft. He made waves in his debut, first by hitting .327 at Class A Quad City then a whopping .367 in 13 games at Double-A Springfield.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Jeff Gordon breaks down the list of players who could get a look at third during Glaus’ absence. Early indications are that 25-year-old David Freese is the favorite for the job, but either he or the other candidates Gordon mentions will have to earn it in spring training.

While Glaus brings excellent power to the table, he also brings a .256 career batting average and is a known, so-so commodity. Maybe Freese works out and makes a smooth transition. Maybe Wallace storms into spring training bats-a-blazin’ and forces his way into the lineup.

Stay tuned and find out. Either way, a fresh-faced, useful fantasy player will emerge.

Also of importance here is the support, or lack there of, for first baseman Albert Pujols. While multiple Cardinals overachieved and offered protection for Pujols last season, there are some question marks heading into 2009.

Until a newcomer proves otherwise, there is one less bat to fear and one more incentive to pitch around Pujols. The defending National League MVP need not be demoted on draft boards; we’ve learned virtually every season that he will get his numbers no matter what.