Sharks in King Arthur's Court (I mean Nationals Park)

As Nationals players, fans, coaches and mascots prepare for today's game after a long night at NatsFest (which I think ended at 8), the question remains about the March 31st showers, which while they may bring April 30th flowers, could also postpone Opening Day in DC.  At this point, it appears that the game is going to go on as scheduled and the Sharkadina Duo will be there.  (Thank god for our 100% authentic Shark-skin hoods which fleck off water like milk on rubber).

While news that Obama won't be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch is not really "new"s at this point, he finally did give his reasoning, "No Shark, no Barack. I won't even follow the score of any game that Bernadina is not playing in.  The Shark and I go way back.  I saw him play once."  It's definitely not good PR for the Nationals but at least he was straight with them.

NatsFest was wildly successful yesterday.  And by wildly, I mean mildly.  No fewer than 4 people asked about the Shark hoods, which we explained was Bernadina's nickname.  And voila, just like that, after $20 spent on tickets, $19 on food, and $6 on 2 "Shreech in a baseball egg" plushes later, 4 more people know Bernadina's nickname.  Therefore, the per capita cost of spreading the Shark nickname is $11.25.  Worth it?

Bryce Harper playing in the Guitar Hero tournament brings back memories of Joel Zumaya missing games in the 2006 playoffs due to a Guitar Hero related injury. He hasn't pitched the same since.  Be careful Bryce...

Even kids are getting in on the Shark action (mind you, we brought them along)

Mini-Sharks at NatsFest 2011

Keep an eye out for the Sharkadina Duo at today's game in the left field Shark Tank!  Right behind shark-sub Mako Morse.

More to come.

Shark Still Gone, Nationals Distraught

While the news of Roger Bernadina's demotion to the minors has pretty much sunk in to Nationals fans (as well as the 1% of Yahoo Fantasy Baseball players who still have the Shark on their rosters), it still doesn't sit well.  I woke up this morning laughing.  Bernadina was sent to the minors?? What a silly and outrageous dream! As I took Tylenol to help with my hangover, I thought back on the night prior, trying to figure out why I would drink an entire fifth of Sharkwater on a Monday night.  When I checked my phone, and saw all the angry response texts saying, "I really don't care how drunk you are", "IT'S 4 AM! STOP!!" and "who is this?" everything came rushing back to me. The crying, the yelling, the police intervention... It wasn't a dream at all.

Fortunately, I wasn't the only one who tried to brush it off as a bad dream.  As the Nationals reported to camp this morning, many of them were confused and upset when they didn't see their favorite teammate waiting for them when they got there.  As the players began asking around, Jim Riggleman was forced to be the bearer of bad news for the second straight day.

"No," Jayson Werth responded, "No. No! NO! This can't be. I just signed with the Nats to play with the Shark.  Now I have to wait until he gets called up. No!"

Before collapsing and bursting into tears, Ryan Zimmerman could be heard yelling, "I THOUGHT YOU WERE JOKING, JIM!  COME ON! NOT SHARK!"

Ian Desmond, who immediately picked up his fishing pole and walked to the nearest body of water, denied the whole thing, repeating, "No.  Bernadina is just hiding. I'm going to find him.  I'm going to find him.  He's just hiding.  Come out, shark!  I'm going to find him.  He's just hiding..."

When asked about making the Nationals roster, Matt Stairs replied, "I just wanted Bryce Harper's autograph.  Even I hoped the Shark would make the team instead of me.  I'm so tired..."

Newest National Oliver Perez could not be reached for comment as he slowly digested in Bernadina's stomach.

Honestly, the Shark will likely be called up soon.  I just hope for the Nationals' win column sake, it will be sooner.

More to come

Syracuse Shark

Today was indeed a dark day for Shark Fans.  Just a day after news of Nyjer Morgan's trade and hopes of increased playing time for The Shark, we find out that he did not make the 25 man roster and is being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.  His roster spot was filled by ancient veteran players Matt Stairs and Laynce Nix. 

Here are the two reactions we are hearing from NatsTown:

"WHAT? WHY WOULD YOU SEND THE SHARK TO THE MINORS??!?!  HE IS YOUNG, ATHLETIC, AND JAWESOME!"

and

"Yeah, I'm OK with it, I mean, he had his chance to prove himself last year and in Spring Training and he didn't."

While we at Street Shark obviously fall into the former category we choose to look at the bright side.  He will be getting more at bats in the minors and at least he wasn't cut or traded.  Also last year and he started in the minors and was called up on April 14 and stayed the rest of the year.  All it takes is an injury to any of the outfielders or Adam LaRoche (he is already injured and Morse would play 1st) to call up The Shark.  Or more likely, Ankeil/Hairston will suck and Riggleman will realize what an idiot he was.

The Shark WILL swim again in Nats Park this year!

You can see Ben Goessling's analysis here or check out a great discussion at Federal Baseball (one of our favorite blogs) here.

Sorry there is no sweet Shark picture on this post, we are too sad to make one.


More to come.

Sharka La Vista, Nyjer

After hearing today's news that Nyjer Morgan was traded to the Brewers, Roger Bernadina offered to give Nyjer a lift to the Brewers camp.

Nyjer wasn't grateful...(quite rude, really)

And then there were two... Ankiel vs. Bernadina, old vs. young, former pitcher vs. former Expo, human vs. shark.  Follow closely as the countdown clock to opening day (which has not been mentioned in this blog prior) strikes 4 (days).  This sharkdown is going to be historical.

More to come.

Shark Encounters of the Third Kind

Hello Loyal Shark Fans!  Your normal Blogger/Shark Photoshop King couldn't make it tonight, so this post is by his partner in crime, Tyler.  You can see me in our new photo to the left under the polls- I am in the sweet Mouth Man Shark Hoodie, which is the closet you can become to being a Shark without being Roger Bernadina.  You could also try out the Bernadina T-Shirt Jersey that Terry is sporting, but it isn't as cool because it doesn't have gills.

The Shark has not been seeing as much action as I hoped the past couple of weeks in Spring Training, but on Friday he had an RBI single to tie the game against the Cardinals, and he had the most amazing Shark-like catch in the 8th to basically save the game.  I would like to see Rick Ankiel do that (he can't).

To celebrate the win on Friday and the Nats 10-0 win over the Astros on Saturday, The Shark decided to go for a swim off the coast of Florida, before he has to head back up to DC this week.  He was caught on film saying Hi to a nice kayaker who was confused and thought he was in McCovey Cove hoping to catch a home-run ball.  Luckily, The Shark was able to give him directions to San Francisco (via the Panama Canal)

NatsFest, where we hope to finally meet The Shark in person, is only 3 Days away and the following day is Opening, where we will be sitting in The Shark Tank in left-center field!

Much more to come.

SHARK TRACKER

WEAK...  Everyone and their 4th grade mother is claiming that Rick Ankiel will be the starting center fielder for the Nationals.  On the other hand, rumors are flying that the Nationals are trying to "give away" Nyjer Morgan, which would potentially leave Bernadina as the 4th outfielder (sure better than playing in the minors).  I will keep you all up to date on the saga (about as up to date as an average of 3/4-of-a-post per day can provide).

Meanwhile, during practice, it has been reported (or at least it should be) that the Shark is tracking balls in the outfield better than ever.  No comments from the Shark himself although teammates have claimed recently that the are "physically petrified" when balls are hit toward him.

Here's why:

More to come.

Shark Endorsed Products

Good News: Roger "The Shark" Bernadina broke the 1-1 tie today on the way to the 3-1 Nationals victory over the Astros. (By that, I do mean that he was on base when Mako Morse hit a 2 run home run, which plated Bernadina as the 2nd run of the game and therefore the winning run).

Bad News: According to Twitter, the CF race is now between just Ankiel and Morgan. (WTF!??! This would put a serious damper on watching him play on Opening Day...)

Good News: Companies have been flocking to Bernadina seeking his endorsement of their products.  The Shark is very selective, so he only endorses some while devouring the rest. Here are some of the survivors:

The Shark is a huge proponent of safe head gear, whether it's in the batter's box, on a motorcycle, or if you're a mid-19th Century underwater explorer.

Shark's like it hot (especially when feasting on fish for the nth time...)! That's why Bernadina approves of this hot sauce, made from volcanic ash and Hades' right arm.

To think, they were originally just going to call it "Groove.com." Weak.

Sharks needs pressed and tidy clothes too.

Even Nintendo seems to have jumped on the Shark bandwagon.  When asked about the company's future, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata promised that the company would phase out Mario for Roger Bernadina within the year.

A tip for the wise: When shopping (NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE BUYING), always look for the Shark Seal of Approval.

More to come.

LAWN SHARK

Sunday was Roger Bernadina's first start since last Tuesday, and while the Nationals lost, the Shark contributed a single in four at bats.  He started the game in left, then moved to center when Ankiel was taken out of the game.  It was great to see the Shark on live television, basking in his sharkadelic glory.  Watching the game, however, made me realize one of the reasons why the Nationals organization might be opposed to the idea of a Shark in the outfield.

THE ADDED COST OF LAWN CARE

Bernadina patrols center field at Nationals Park

 More to come.

SHARK WINNER

The Nationals suffered another humiliating Spring Training loss today (THEIR SIXTH IN A ROW)!  The Shark subbed in late in the game (when the game was already out of reach).  It was the 4th straight game that Bernadina didn't start.  I did a little research and found out something interesting.  So far this Spring, in games that the Shark starts, the Nationals are a very respectable 6-2.  When he doesn't start, they are a dismal 4-9.  So what if his stats of late haven't glistened as brightly, the fact is:

THE SHARK IS A WINNER!

If he doesn't start tomorrow, I will be stunned and upset because 1) I'm watching the game (which is against the Tigers!) and 2) because, like I just proved, the Shark is winner and the Nationals would be losers not to start him. Literally.

That could be the Nationals 2011 World Series Trophy in the Shark's hand.

More to come.

Shark It Easy.

Upon hearing news that Rick Ankiel could be the front runner for the starting center fielder job, Bernadina needed a moment to himself.  He thought about the trouble ahead and the trouble behind, as well as the importance of the coming days.  (Honestly, he was also a bit confused because he thought Rick Ankiel had been sucked into a sub propeller during a shark riding contest...)  To clear his mind, The Shark cranked some Eagles: Greatest Hits (the #1 best selling album of all time in the United States) on his iPod and went to the nearest aquarium to just swim out all his concerns.

While he may not have gotten the "moment to himself" that he wanted, he did get a standing invitation to become a permanent exhibit in the aquarium if the whole baseball thing doesn't work out.

PS. Bernadina went 1 for 2 today.  .500 batting average... Not too shabby.

More to come.

SHARK'S COMING OUT

Nyjer Morgan was a hot topic during today's heartbreaking 8-7 loss to the Astro's.  The Shark's competition had a home run and three RBIs' and helped the Nationals to a strong lead before a complete bullpen collapse gave the game away.  My eyes were on Roger Bernadina, who drew a walk in his only at bat.  After a mild slump, the Shark is starting to show life again.  Something inside him is struggling to get out...  His talent is quite literally bursting at the seams (cue Diana Ross: I'm Coming Out)...

Nothing...Can...Hold...The Shark...Back...Now....

Ch-ch-ch-changes?

Expect good things to come.  And soon.

More to come.

SHARK WALLPAPERS!

All celebrities with nicknames have computer desktop wallpapers! (Angelina "The Bald Eagle" Jolie, for example).  It just doesn't sit well with me that Bernadina doesn't have any readily available.  So why not spend my day creating Roger "The Shark" Bernadina wallpapers? Cause I don't have time.  So instead I spent 10 minutes on these two.

THIS SH**K IS ART!

The Shark's family reunion?

I like listening to Diddy Dirty Money's "Coming Home" when I day dream about this image...

• Two points for using one of these as your computer's wallpaper.
• Ten points for creating a Roger "The Shark" Bernadina wallpaper yourself (prove it: sharkadina@gmail.com).

THIS SH**K MATTERS!

(in other news, The Shark went 1 for 5 today with a run scored and a strikeout)

More to come.

SHARK RIDING CONTEST!

The battle for center field has been raging the past two days in Florida!  Roger Bernadina, Rick Ankiel, and Nyjer Morgan all started on Sunday, and the Shark and Nyjer both played today.
Stats since Sunday: Rick Ankiel - 2/5 4 RBIs, Nyjer Morgan - 2/7 2 SB, The Shark - 2/5.  Clearly, it remains a tight battle...

But more importantly, how did they perform after the games?  Created specifically to show off Bernadina's skill set, Mike Rizzo set up an afternoon to remember. Below are the results of the:

1st Annual Washington Nationals Spring Training Shark Riding Contest for Outfielders Competing for the Starting Center Fielder Position...For the Washington Nationals.

First off was Nyjer Morgan. Although his spritely demeanor would lead one to believe he would succeed in such an outrageous competition, he wussed out and clung to the shark like a lamprey on a baby koala. Needless to say, he lost the contest...and a leg?

Rick Ankiel went next and was terribly unsuccessful.  After barely clinging to the dorsal fin for 20 seconds, he let go and was quickly sucked into a nearby submarine's propeller.

As expected, Roger Bernadina performed admirably in the contest.  After swimming along side the Whale Shark for several miles, he gracefully grabbed hold, and mounted like a well tenured jockey.  He also satisfied everyone's longing to see some majestic shark on shark action.

Bernadina won this contest.  Now let's see him win center field.

More to come.

SHARK VS. NYJER

The Shark had a tough game today in the 6-5 Nationals win... Bernadina went 0 for 4 with 3 Ks and an error.  Meanwhile, his left field competition, Mako Morse, arguably sealed his fate with yet another homerun this Spring (his 5th) and 3 RBIs.  It looks like the Shark's best chance to claim a starting position will be in center field.  To do that, he has to battle Nyjer Morgan.

GAME ON!

After today's game, Bernadina is batting .259 this spring with 1 HR, 7 RBIs, and 2 SB
Meanwhile, Morgan is batting .192 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, and 3 SB (and was caught twice)

Over the next couple weeks, I predict a few fights between the two...

KICK!

DIVE!

With an occasional jumping contest...

But ultimately, a victorious shark.

Crawl, Nyjer, crawl!

More to come.

Shark Autograph!

With the 2011 autograph season right around the corner, early autograph seekers are hounding players at Spring Training for their signatures.  One most sought after John Hancocks this season is that of the Shark, Roger Bernadina.  While I do not have a Shark autograph (although I would love to get one. Can someone help with that?), my friend Zane has one on his arm, of which I am terribly jealous.  Some Spring Training attendees who are fortunate enough to have a Bernadina autograph have provided me with some images of his famous "sharkniture" (this could also be shark furniture?).

This fan got an autograph on her back

Surfboard signature!

Sometimes he will even sign his brethren!

Also!!! Roger Bernadina had a great game last night.  Playing in the night game of the Nationals split squad double header, the Shark led off and played left field.  While Washington ended up losing 6-5 to the Astros, Bernadina did his part to help them win.  Down by 3 runs in the 7th, Shark hit a two run triple, then proceeded to score on an Espinosa single to tie the game.  He also showed his defensive prowess, gunning down Jason Michaels at the plate earlier in the game.

Nice work Shark! Now, how about an autograph?

More to come.

FISH FIGHT!!!!

Sometimes the pressure of Spring Training can get to professional baseball players and they just need to let it all out.

The best way to do it?

FISH FIGHT!!!

I have no words for this...

More to come.

MORE SHARK FACTS

Another nice game at the plate today for Roger Bernadina.  The Shark helped the Nationals down the Marlins 8-4, as he went 1 for 3, with 2 runs scored.   Due to his speed, he forced an errant throw on a sacrifice bunt, setting up a 5 run inning for Washington.  One thing is sure, the Shark knows how to terrorize the Marlins.

As a society, we learn a little more about Roger Bernadina every day.  Some days we learn more than others.  Like today, for instance, we learn ten new things:

1. Great White Sharks account for about 30% of all shark attacks. Roger Bernadina accounts for the rest.
2. When not playing baseball, Bernadina hustles people in cards and charges exuberant interest rates while loaning out money.
3. A shark can sense blood in the water from several miles away, Roger Bernadina can sense where a ball will be hit, before the pitcher throws it.
4. San Jose named their hockey team the Sharks because Bernadina had a layover there once.
5. Until the nineteenth century, some inhabitants of the islands in the South Pacific considered sharks to be gods and offered human sacrifices to them.  After watching Bernadina play baseball, now they all do.
6. Shark skin(made of denticles) is so rough that if Bernadina high fives you, you'll need serious hand surgery.
7. The Chinese basketball team, the Shanghai Sharks is comprised of an army of Roger Bernadina clones.
8. The 1965 Chevrolet Mako Shark II concept car (which may very well be the coolest looking automobile in history), was designed after Roger Bernadina.
9. Adam Dunn didn't sign with the Chicago White Sox for the money. He signed because he has an inherent and crippling, pants-wetting fear of sharks.
10. Roger Bernadina can stop time. 

 More to come.

SHARK STEAL

Roger Bernadina's outfield competitors had some good games today during the Nationals 4-3 win over the Mets.  In left field, Mako Morse went 2 for 4 with a long home run...ugh.  Shark's center field rival, Nyjer Morgan, went 2 for 3, with 2 stolen bases in the leadoff spot.  (Nyjer, however, was also caught stealing twice, including one in the ninth with the game tied...whoops.)

That said, Morgan's speed doesn't scare Roger Bernadina because...

SHARKS CAN STEAL BASES TOO!

  
More to come.

SHARK BUNT

Roger "The Shark" Bernadina was back in the starting lineup, playing centerfield for the Nationals today.  With the exception of an at-bat and a couple innings in the outfield during Sunday's game, the Shark had the weekend off.  The extra rest did some good.  The Shark went 1 for 2 with a game tying RBI (it was from a walk...but still counts) during today's 14-9 trouncing of the Houston Astros.  Using his 'Usain Bolt'-esque speed, Shark led off the game with a bunt, then promptly stole second base.  His stats in the leadoff spot have been sparkling this spring and I look forward to seeing him play there in the regular season.

One thing is sure, Shark can bunt.

Reporters claimed that Roger Bernadina kindly refused the bat offered to him by the ball boy and then pulled a blue shark out of his locker. Before anyone could protest, the Shark had laid down a beautiful bunt and was cruising into first base.

More to come.

One B.A. Shark

Despite the Shark's absence from the lineup, the Washington Nationals won their spring training game today.  For those of you who are interested, during the 10-8 slugfest victory over the Yankees, the Shark's outfield competition (Mako Morse and Jerry Hairston) went a combined 3 for 8, with 3 Runs and 2 RBIs.  Decent numbers, indeed, however, these things don't scare Roger Bernadina.  Because he didn't play, I can assume he was doing something far more badass...

Such as...

Tearing down Camden Yards

Chasing down Bryce Harper's home runs

Walking away from explosions

Refusing to forgive Alfonso Soriano for signing with the Cubs

Leaving craters in the sand

Whatever he was doing, he was likely doing it in the most badass way possible.  Hopefully he will play tomorrow...

More to come.

A Street Shark Named Desire

The Cleveland Indians spring training ballpark isn't the only thing burning these days.  There is something more, burning stronger and more intensely than the laundry.  This, of course, is the burning desire in the hearts of all ballplayers.  And no heart burns brighter than The Shark's, who's heart is quite literally made of fire.  Even though the Nationals lost and Roger Bernadina went 0 for 4, nothing could subdue his desire to win.

With the use of modern technology (a large magnifying glass, which can inexplicably see through things), we see that Roger Bernadina's insides are consumed with the fire of victory.  Shark is burning.  Watch out.

More to come.

How about them Shark flavored apples?

The above title doesn't make sense.

Shark explosion!  Roger Bernadina went nuts yesterday! Leading off and playing in center field, the Shark went 2 for 4 with a three run home run! (Coincidentally, the game was vs the Florida Marlins) Additionally, the home run was off Josh Johnson, who led the National League in ERA last year, so shove that (Shark flavored) apple in your mouth and chomp down.  Bernadina came out to play/prey.

In a 20 million year old comparison, Bernadina is a Megalodon, and the competition are whales.  Megalodon destroys them.

Here's another bite of (Shark flavored) apple: Nationals Inquisition found out yesterday that Roger Bernadina will sign his name as 'The Shark' if asked and... they have photographic proof.

Finally, one more (Shark flavored) apple related tidbit: Roger, if you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you need one of these....

More to come.

Anatomy of The Shark

Another day, another victory for the Washington Nationals.  Sadly, they did it without the help of the Shark.  For those of you who are interested, Mike Morse went 2 for 2 (but was caught stealing. Ironically, no Shark-like speed for Mako), Rick Ankiel went 0 for 2, and Nyjer Morgan went 0 for 3.  Word on the street is that Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo had a few jars at home that he just couldn't open, so Bernadina was sent there instead of the game.

It turned out to be a trap! When Bernadina got there, a few of Rizzo's cronies tranquilized him, in order to study him.  Naturally, the Shark escaped.  When the police arrived on the scene, bodies were strewn about, every jar in the house was open, and a piece of paper, documenting the anatomy of the Shark was sitting on a table in Rizzo's lab. The scientists had succeeded. A copy of the document is below.

The document was mostly intact, except for some unexplainable gaps in the glove and ball area.  Don't ask me how I got this, but if you do, I'll tell you.

More to come.