Jeimer Candelario's mixed bag at third base will have Angels weighing their options

It took less than a week for the Los Angeles Angels to address the growing issue that is Yoan Moncada being the team's starting third baseman. Moncada's gaffes continued against the Cubs on Monday, and as he should have, Kurt Suzuki ticketed Jeimer Candelario for third during Tuesday's game in Chicago.

Candelario's double did provide a spark for the Angels in the sixth inning of Tuesday's victory, but he did his best Moncada impression when he was in the field. The 32-year-old had a throwing error, and it was another reminder of the defensive issues that have plagued the Angels to open the season.

Los Angeles' defensive miscues to open the season extend beyond just the third base position, but the position represents an odd choice for the team's roster construction. In a season that should be geared toward identifying players who could be long-term fixtures at each position.

They did that in the starting rotation by not only having Jose Soriano at the top of the rotation (he looks excellent), but also giving Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson a chance at the bottom. That desire to give a young player hasn't extended to the third base position.

To the surprise of no one, the Angels have a third base problem

By the time the Angels are a contender, Moncada and Candelario won't be on the team. Being that this isn't meant to be a season where LA is a contender, Suzuki and Co. shouldn't feel tied to the veteran options on the roster.

The fix that the Angels should do is designate Candelario for assignment and bring Christian Moore back. The only reason why Moncada wouldn't be the DFA is that Arte Moreno likely doesn't want to chalk up the $4 million as a loss right away.

The larger point is that Moore should be given an extended run at the major league level this season. The former first-round pick got a look at third base during spring training, and now is the time to rip the band-aid off. Hand him the keys to third base and let him run with it.

If the Angels prefer for Moore to get more development in the minors, the simpler fix may be moving Oswald Peraza over to third base and inserting Adam Frazier as the starting second baseman. The defense at second base may take a step back, but it can't be worse than what the Angels have already seen at third base.