The short, troubled association of the Washington Nationals and centerfielder Endy Chavez came to an end late last week, and unlike Boyz II Men, we still can let go. Chavez’s conspicuous habit of causing third outs during spring training earned him the nickname “Inning-Endy” among Nats bloggers, and it seemed to many like his time with the Nationals would be short. Sure enough, the Nats sent him down to the minors before opening day, and his return was not expected. So when he got called up in the middle of the series against the Dodgers last week, something had to be up.

Something was: Chavez was quickly traded to the Phillies for centerfielder Marlon Byrd, who had likewise worn out his welcome in Philadelphia. The deal itself wasn’t all that surprising either, as it had been rumored as far back November. Nats GM Jim Bowden said this weekend: “I don’t think either player was going to go forward in the organization they were in. They both have ability and they both have to make adjustments if they’re ever going to revive their careers.”

So far, so good. In his first two games as a Philly, Chavez scored runs in each (albeit in several more at-bats than he got with Washington). Byrd’s first game in a Nats uniform was even better, as he went 3-4 with three RBIs and a double. He didn’t do much besides strike out in the Nats’ loss to the Brewers last night, so that about evens it out. Not bad … but also not statistically significant.

Curious to learn more about Marlon Byrd? The Nationals Inquirer has you covered.