oddity?
since the Nats called up CJ on 8/15, the Nats record is 9-9.
Also, prior to 8/15, the Nat pitchers BABIP against was .305. I think that a fair rough proxy for team fielding behind the pitchers. They ranked 4th worst in the majors. Since 8/15, admittedly a super-short sampling size, their BABIP against is .253, 4th best in the majors. Some of that is Vargas, I think, some of that is getting Yadiel out of the field, but a good chunk of that is finally having a rangy real fielder in the most important defensive position. Still has issues with the arm, I suppose. Robles full-time in CF probably helps too instead of sharing time with Thomas. I don't think there's a drop off in D from Bell and Soto to Voit and Meneses. The only defensive downgrade might be Garcia in place of Cesar.