The St. Louis Cardinals are in search of a starting third baseman since David Freese is out for the year due to a right ankle injury that he suffered when he rounded third base on Monday’s game. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says that the Cards may need a third baseman not only for 2010, but for 2011.

“Not good,” general manager John Mozeliak said. “Obviously, it’s disappointing. But we’ve played quite awhile without him. Like any other situation like this other people have to step up. Will it change how we look at the post-trading deadline (market)? Possibly.”

The Cardinals are currently using Felipe Lopez and Aaron Miles at third base. Newly promoted Allen Craig could take over, but the team may need a more experienced player to man the position.

The biggest name that is available is Boston Red Sox Mike Lowell. The free-agent-to-be is due about $4 million for the rest of the year, so it will be a pricey option for less than 60 days of work. However it will be unlikely that any team would place a claim on him, so should the Cardinals pursue the Red Sox, they can do it after Lowell clears waivers. Other trade possibilities include the Baltimore Orioles Ty Wigginton or Houston Astros Pedro Feliz. Free agent Joe Crede may be available, but he’s currently recovering from chronic back troubles.

“Obviously we’re going to explore things,” the general manager said. “I don’t think there are a lot of available options out there at this time. … You’re on the clock of the waivers. If you’re overly aggressive there it changes the (asking price).