VOTE FOR SHARK

Attention Shark Fans

We know that Roger Bernadina is capable of some amazing catches and some clutch hits.  And we all expect many more to come.  Since yesterday's game has inspired a whole new breed of Shark faithful, Sharkadina is going to try to ride this wave of interest to the max.  Never fear, I am not asking for money.  All I'm asking is for a little bit of time (which I suppose is money, if you believe in the 'time is money' cliche).

1. Roger Bernadina's ridiculous catch is nominated for the early Web Gem of the Year.  It is up against a slick, but not electrto-sharking play by Yuniesky Betancourt. The task is simple!  Go to ESPN's MLB website, scroll down (on the left side), then vote for Bernadina's catch.  This is what you are looking for:

It is so simple. At last check, they were each at 50% with 1,147 votes cast. You don't need to enter an e-mail address or anything.  Just go here and vote Shark!

2. All Star Shark! I know that it is early and Bernadina has only played in 8 games this year, but let's get the Shark to the All Star Game.  Here is a link to the 2011 All Star Ballot.  When you scroll to the bottom, you will see a section for a write-in vote.  Fill it out accordingly...

You can fill out the rest of the ballot as you will.  Or you don't have to fill anything else out (If you are not a baseball fan, a rule of thumb is vote for the Nationals players on the NL side (and the Tigers on the AL side)). You will have to register to vote (with your email) but then you are can vote up to 25 times, without having to select everyone again (MLB has actually made it easier).

Make sure you uncheck the "I would like to receive commercial e-mails..." box

It is really a win-win situation.  Even if he doesn't get selected, MLB will have to acknowledge the nickname with votes for "Roger the Shark Bernadina." (They already do for Phillies players, "The Flyin' Hawaiian" Shane Victorino, and "Doc" Roy Halladay...not fair)  I, for one, would love to see it say "the Shark" on the early voting results...  So if you don't mind one e-mail saying "Thank You for Voting," let's get the Shark to the All Star Game.

I am already working on the marine life vote.  They are having problems with typing his name, but we are working on it.

More to come.

SHARK CATCH IN DC

Well there you have it, Shark fans.  To anyone who has come to this blog (whether on accident or on purpose) and questioned Roger Bernadina's nickname, I hope that tonight has helped you come around.

The Shark had a game to remember, offensively, defensively, and chain-link-fencively.  While the Nats couldn't pull out the victory, falling 5-4 to the Marlins in their third consecutive extra inning game, the Shark did his part.  I predicted earlier that the Shark was going to rudely welcome the Marlins to DC  and boy was I on the money for that one (ignore the fact that I claim similar things for the Nats opponent every game)!

Offensively, the Sharkplug went 3 for 5, with a walk, 2 singles and a double. Did I mention that the double was of the game tying variety (clearly I didn't)?  Well it was.  Down by two in the forth, with ducks on the pond (a shark favorite) Bernadina crushed a double to left center to tie the game at 4.  To further embarrass the Marlins, he promptly stole third.  Tonights game brought his batting average up to a team high .320 (only Ryan Zimmerman (on the DL) and Jesus Flores (2 total ABs) have higher BA but they don't count at the moment) and his SB count to 4 (tied for 3rd most on the team).

Defensively, the Shark set a standard for CF!  If you haven't already seen this video of "The Catch," you need to watch it now (or at least look at these frame by frame shots by the Nationals Enquirer).  With two on and two outs, Mike Stanton crushed a ball to deep center field.  Adam Kilgore's article describes what happens next well, "He bolted back, with time for maybe a dozen steps. “The only thing I could do is dive [like a shark],”Bernadina said. He soared, his body parallel to the ground [and his dorsal fin whistling through the air]. He snared the ball with the tip of his glove. As he crashed to the turf, white poked from the top of his black glove. The disbelieving crowd gasped, unsure how he had made that play." Roger Bernadina saved two runs and cemented his legacy as the Shark.  Seriously, watch "The Catch" now.

While I missed hearing/seeing/following 'The Catch' live (I was at the Tigers/Royals game...), the reactions to "The Catch" helped me understand the sheer beauty of the play.   Here are a few of my favorite reactions-

• @federalbaseball - OMS!! OMS!! Oh MY SHARK!! Roger "The Shark" Bernadina with a snow-cone catch at the track, robs Mike Stanton of RBI's and extra bases.
• @DCmadness22 - Roger Bernadina's catch. Wow....
• @im_dillard - Bernadina's catch gave me goosebumps. 
• @ouij - SHARK! #nats what a catch
  
• @GreatWhiteShark - I wish I was Roger Bernadina
• @HammerheadShark - Me too RT @GreatWhiteShark I wish I was Roger Bernadina

Chain-link-fencively, Bernadina's performance tonight has inspired a new fan (or at least acceptor) of the Shark nickname.  This is none other than MASN(the sports network that covers the Nats)'s Ben Goessling.  You may remember a couple of weeks ago when Goessling was searching for a Sharkadina explanation.  Thanks to all of you who messaged Ben... it appears that he has finally come around. Goessling posted this evening an open letter-esque blog entry addressed "Dear Sharkadina People." Unless there are others, I'm going to assume he is talking to Tyler and I(Terry)... Here is an excerpt from Ben's post: "So I'm here to tell you, Sharkadina People, that while I still think your nickname is a little odd, I'm getting on board... This will be an adjustment for me, so I ask for your patience. But after seeing that, I'm reconsidering acknowledging your Shark-love" It is a lovely read so if you have 85 seconds, you should check it out.

Welcome aboard Ben.  Any and all are welcome on the Shark Express.  Next goal: Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post (if you saw his post, he didn't use any shark-puns or call Bernadina the Shark once in the whole article...Even after seeing "The Catch??"...Come on, Kilgore!)

Finally, the below file photo shows that Bernadina does practice making catches.  Though, he usually has a softer landing.
 

 More to come.

Welcome to DC, Marlins

Today, we've already established that Sean Burnett is not the Shark.  Because it is such a special day, and to prepare you for this weekend, I am posting again.  The Washington Nationals return home today facing the Marlins for the weekend series.  To any Marlins fans who stumble up this blog, Roger Bernadina has a message for you.

Bring it.

More to come.

Sean Burnett is NOT the Shark

'Blogger' is back at last, so I can finally post again.  Sadly, my drafts were deleted so I have to start yesterday's post from scratch.  Also, my post about Kevin James Robbing the Shark and a picture of the Shark in Disguise was deleted too.  Maybe I'll repost the pictures... still, lame.

To catch you up.  In the final game of the 3 game series with the (formally-known-as) Braves, the Nats fell 6-5 in 10 innings.  The game started out promising.  The Shark led off with a single, stole second but was left stranded when the 2-4 hitters failed to drive him in.  Despite this missed opportunity, the Nats dominated for the first 6 innings with Jordan Zimmermann striking out 11 and the Nationals leading 5-1.

And then things went down hill fast.  Sean Burnett decided to test the Shark's defensive skills by allowing a game-tying grand slam.  Bernadina, not expecting this traitor move, couldn't get to the ball in time.  The Nats then lifted the Shark (who also had a walk, SHARK OBP GOING UP) for a pinch hitter and it all fell apart, losing the game in the 10th.  After the game, Burnett said, "I was tired of everyone asking me if I am related to the Shark.  Just cause our last names both start with Burn...  I was weak for a moment.  It won't happen again... I'm sorry." Watch out Burnett, it's not smart to upset a Shark.

Google Search of the Day:
Someone found the Sharkadina Blog by searching "us army shark battle competition 2011."
The US Army Shark Competition is an annual event where the entire US Army goes is pitted against Roger Bernadina.  Bernadina has won the competition going on 10 years in a row. Don't worry, no one is killed in the competition as the Army has never hit Bernadina and even so, the Shark goes easy on them.  Below is a photo from last years competition:

Clever girl...

Fantasy Baseball Freebies:

• Never start a Starting Pitcher who is playing against the Shark.  Unless, for whatever reason, you want a high ERA and WHIP...
• Roger Bernadina should be picked up in all fantasy leagues (especially 15 Team, NL-Only Leagues)!  It's hard to call him a sleeper because he's not a secret anymore, but if you are looking for Runs and SB, he's your shark.

Other Shark News:
The Atlanta Police Department has been reporting an increase in the amount of illegal graffiti all across the city.  Says Police Chief Norm Calwell, "Apparently it's 'cool' to 'tag' your 'hood' with the 'name' of your favorite baseball player. I can't wait until the Nationals leave town." It just goes to show that it is hard to quell a Shark fan's spirit

Shark in the lower east side

Shark in the middle to upper left side

Shark in the Northwest Southeast docks

More to come.

KEVIN JAMES ROBS SHARK, NATS WIN

Fueled again by the Shark's presence, the Nationals pulled out an impressive come from behind 7-4 victory over the (formerly known as) Braves.  This game had it all (or some)!  It began as a pitching duel between John Lannan and Tommy Hanson.  Then, after falling behind 3-1, the Nats scored 2 in the ninth to tie the game, then, as if dropping a stick of dynamite in the water, blew the Braves apart with a 4-run 11th. They are now an impressive 3-1 since recalling the Shark from AAA Syracuse.

The Shark, despite going 0-3, played better than his line looks.  Bernadina hit the ball hard twice, and was robbed of what could have been and inside-the-park home run by Kevin James (Eric Hinske).  The ball looked like it was going to drop until Hinske hopped on his Segway and with this unfair advantage, tracked down the ball.  Watch out, Kevin James!  Having a Shark for an enemy isn't going to make your movies any better.

Eric Hinske drives after Roger Bernadina's long drive.

Todd Coffey, who is known these days as the Megalodon Pitcher, continued his strike out prowess with 4 more Ks today.  That gives him 10 Ks in his last 4.2 innings... ridiculous.  The man is clearly sharked up and when a big man like that is sharking up, heads (and eyes) will roll.


Question of the Day:
@StacheOBally asks, "do sharks grow, feed on, or admire mustaches?"
Answer: They wear them only when disguising as a human baseball player (and at costume parties, naturally).

I thought there was a Great White Shark coming, but it's clearly just a mustached gentleman.

More to come.

Atlanta Anything But Brave When Shark Comes to Town

Well it seems like the Atlanta Braves Scaredy-Cats read this blog (I'm looking at you Freddie Freeman).  They must have seen this image from our post a couple of days ago and it clearly rattled them.  I can just picture them waking up in a cold sweat last night from Shark-induced nightmares.  The Braves got off to a rough start, mounted a noble comeback, but ultimately fell to The Shark and the Nationals, 7-6.

It all started with Bernadina's first at bat.  He hit it directly at Freddie Freeman at 1st base and as Freeman started over to tag the bag, he made a fatal error.  He looked at The Shark barreling towards him down the first base line.  We all know that you should NEVER MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH A SHARK!  Freeman promptly dropped the ball and there are unconfirmed reports that he soiled himself.  Just a few minutes later, Bernadina stole second and the same exact thing happened to Brian McCann.  He literally dropped the ball out of fear.

Offensively, The Shark reached base on that error and also had a walk, scoring runs both times.  He is really thriving in the leadoff spot and it seems like Riggleman agrees.  But it wasn't his offense that was impressive this game (he left that up to the rest of the outfield with Nix and Werth each hitting 3 run homers).  Tonight, Bernadina showcased his defensive prowess and why he is called "The Shark." (Do you understand now Ben Goessling?)

In the bottom of the 7th, The Shark used his super speed and his Shark Cannon to gun down Frddie Freeman at 2nd base.  Freddie apparently walked back to the dugout muttering about having been "bitten by a shark," and his "nightmares came true," and saying that because of Bernadina he could "never go to the ocean or an aquarium ever again."  A little later in the 9th, with the game on the line, Brooks Conrad hits a hard fly ball into right center that looked like it may be a home run...but that ball might have well as been a bloody minnow in shark infested water, because The Shark devoured it right at the wall.

After the game, a female reporter attempted to interview him, repeatedly calling out his name.  He just kept walking and said only this:

More to come.  (Thanks to @Joined2readSVP for the pic)

Shark News and Olds

Some Shark News to help you make it until the Nats game at 7:05 PM...

Hockey Sharks:
The Detroit Red Wings have been battling the San Jose Sharks in the NHL playoffs recently.  After falling behind in the series 0-3, the Wings have fought back, winning their past two games while facing elimination.  The Sharks (of no relation to Bernadina, besides namesake(#10)) can't seem to put the Wings away.  Some credit can be given to the Red Wings and their veteran players.  More likely, the San Jose Sharks have jinxed themselves by refusing to call me back after I left hundreds of phone messages at the front office.  All I wanted was them to acknowledge that Roger Bernadina is the greatest Shark of all time. They wouldn't even give me the time of day!  Well, my San Jose chums, I hope you lose.  Maybe then you will learn some decency and acknowledge some random baseball fan.  Go Red Wings!

Shark sighting in the Blog World:
Patrick Neuman of the Washington Nationals Examiner wrote an article about the Shark entitled "How Roger Bernadina can win a job"  Neuman talks about how Bernadina is the frontrunner for the CF job of the future, with these next couple weeks being the defining factor.  He also mentions this Sharkadina blog calling Tyler and I "appropriately-dressed shark people" We've all seen what the Shark can do, so we can expect continued success when the Nats resume play tomorrow.  Sharks are the most deadly creatures on earth.  Bernadina is going to battle for this position and inevitably come out victorious.

Other Sh**k:
Local Police in the Miami and Atlanta areas have been reporting higher than normal instances of animal abuse.  It turns out that most of those reports are coming from the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves players stating that they are "getting their asses handed to them" by Roger Bernadina.  The Police Chiefs in both cities, too afraid to do anything, are asking citizens to only report animal abuse cases that involve dogs until The Shark is back in DC.

Great...White Shark

Let's see if anyone reads this...

Bernadina and the Nationals kick off the series with the Braves tonight...

IT'S GONNA BE A FEEDING FRENZY

More to come.

Nats Shark Off Loss, Eye Braves

The taste of defeat is a bitter one.  It is the taste of decomposing fish mixed with burnt sienna hair.  Sadly, the Nationals had to taste that, losing 8-0 to Animal Sanchez and the Florida Marlins.  Despite the Shark's menacing presence, the Fish seemed to be prepared.  Secret Marlin spies swapped Roger Bernadina's normally potent bat with one soaked in Shark Repellent Bat Spray (clever on muliple levels if you click the link and recall).  Unfortunately, this plot was not uncovered until after the game, when it was too late.  The Nationals and Bernadina chose the high road and sharked it off.  They did, however, warn the Marlins front office that if they pull that sh**k again, Florida ace Josh Johnson will end up fish chum.

Despite the lopsided loss, the Nationals did have a series of Shark-esque web gems.  Mako Morse, Danny ESP and Daddy Desmond all made terrific plays and credited the Shark's presence as their motivator.

With an off day today, the ability to shark off yesterday's loss will help the Nats and the Shark arrive in Atlanta well rested and ready to feast on the Braves.  My shark friends, I have seen the future.  This is what is going to happen in Atlanta tomorrow.

The Shark arrives in Atlanta

Please note that only one player makes Atlanta's team name not seem ironic.  Mark my words, Brian McCann is going to sit perfectly still and hope Bernadina doesn't see him (Good luck...)

More to come.