Hello Loyal Shark Fans,
This is TyInDC coming to you live from DC. Sharkadina has left the District temporarily, but I will be here with you bringing you in-person updates through April and May from NatsTown. (Sharkadina will still be blogging, just unable to attend games) I, like the rest of NatsTown, am extremely disappointed in tonight's game (Washington loses 3-2 in 10 innings). WE SHOULD HAVE WON THIS GAME.
Stay with me here as I make a case for Roger "The Shark" Bernadina in this game:
1) Bernadina makes a better lead-off hitter than Desmond or Espinosa (and an infinitely better one than Hairston and Cora). "Roger Bernadina had a year very similar to Morgan's last year in terms of average and OBP, and was 16-for-18 in stolen base attempts." (Source). He gets on base and when he does, he's deadly on the basepaths (AnKiel stole a base today. His batting average is .083). The Shark is arguably the fastest person on the 40-man roster.
2) Bernadina would NEVER have dropped that ball that Werth did to cost them the game. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
3) Bernadina would have made a spectacular diving catch to save the game in the 10th. He has done it many times before. That's WHY he is called The Shark. Hairston cannot come close to his defensive prowess (he's only 5' 3'' after all) . Neither can AnKiel, Werth, Morse, or Nix.
4) Bernadina may not be a power hitter YET, but ricK anKiel continuing to striKe out is getting old. (2 today)
5) Bernadina would be better coming off the bench than Nix, Cora, and Stairs (so far).
Yes, this is a more serious post for the Sharkadina blog, but I am seriously upset that we lost this game and seriously believe that Bernadina could have made a difference and we would have won with him. Sharks eat Marlins like they are snack food!
Leave your opinion in the comments...do you think Rizzo/Riggleman should LET SHARK PLAY?
Yours always,
TyInDC
More to come.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
SHARK FANS!
The Washington Nationals have a day to travel today before kicking off a series with the Marlins (without Shark assistance) tomorrow night. Since there are no Shark related conspiracies or terrible defensive alignments to report about, I'd like to take a moment to talk about what it is like to be a shark fan.
Everyone is always asking us (no one has ever asked us) how to become better Shark Fans. "You guys are more popular than Justin Beiber," they say, "Jumbotron recognition thrice? Wowwww. How can I be a part of this amazing tradition??"
So here is a break down of what it takes to be a Shark fan:
1. You have to at least kinda like the player Roger Bernadina and accept his nickname as The Shark.
Voila, you are a Shark fan!
Here are some optional ways to display your fanhood:
1. Wear a fan hood (Shark style is ideal)
2. Own a Bernadina Shirt
Follow those simple steps to be the best Shark fan ever.
The following are some other well known Shark fans:
No matter what, Shark fans are happy fans!
More to come.
Everyone is always asking us (no one has ever asked us) how to become better Shark Fans. "You guys are more popular than Justin Beiber," they say, "Jumbotron recognition thrice? Wowwww. How can I be a part of this amazing tradition??"
So here is a break down of what it takes to be a Shark fan:
1. You have to at least kinda like the player Roger Bernadina and accept his nickname as The Shark.
Voila, you are a Shark fan!
Here are some optional ways to display your fanhood:
1. Wear a fan hood (Shark style is ideal)
Follow those simple steps to be the best Shark fan ever.
The following are some other well known Shark fans:
 |
| Barack Obama is a Shark fan! |
 |
| He's afraid to admit it...but AnKiel is a HUGE Shark Fan! |
 |
| Can you spot the Shark fan in this picture? |
More to come.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
No Shark, No Center Fielder, No Victory (Game 3 Recap)
The Nationals appeared lost as they lost today during the rubber match of the Atlanta Braves series. Their 11-2 demolition had few highlights. RicK AnKiel followed up his 3 RBI game with an 0 for 3 game. (He did have the same number of Ks in the game as the number of Ks in his name...) The rest of the team didn't fair much better, however, managing only 4 hits total. Atlanta scored 8 of their runs in the 7th and 8th inning, which I suppose makes sense... because according to the Yahoo box score of the game (also seen below), no one replaced RicK AnKiel in center field.
I suppose having only 2 outfielders is a good excuse for giving up 8 runs. (Surprisingly, Jerry Hairston Jr. had an RBI, without having played...)
But honestly, if the Nationals are going to go with a 2 person outfield, one needs to be the Shark. Roger Bernadina would never allow the opposing team to score 11 runs. If it meant saving a few runs, I'd rather have 8 men in the infield and the Shark alone in the outfield. (For example, Alex Gonzalez's triple would have just been a long out) We all know he could handle it.
In addition, AnKiel and Werth looked completely lost on a couple of plays. As they ran for fly balls hit to right center, they both could be heard shouting "The Shark's got it!" When it fell between them they just stared at each other bewildered and threw their gloves down Nyjer-style in anger, simultaneously remembering The Shark was sent to Syracuse. Also, Epsinosa's "error" was entirely the result of a bad throw by AnKiel. A Sharkless outfield is a sloppy outfield.
While the Sharkadina Duo could not attend the game, I want to leave you with this Shark Family Photo taken at NatsFest 2011. (thank you @tracytran)
"We are a non-traditional family of two male sharks raising two girl sharks in the big ocean of life. I smell a sitcom."
More to come.
I suppose having only 2 outfielders is a good excuse for giving up 8 runs. (Surprisingly, Jerry Hairston Jr. had an RBI, without having played...)
But honestly, if the Nationals are going to go with a 2 person outfield, one needs to be the Shark. Roger Bernadina would never allow the opposing team to score 11 runs. If it meant saving a few runs, I'd rather have 8 men in the infield and the Shark alone in the outfield. (For example, Alex Gonzalez's triple would have just been a long out) We all know he could handle it.
In addition, AnKiel and Werth looked completely lost on a couple of plays. As they ran for fly balls hit to right center, they both could be heard shouting "The Shark's got it!" When it fell between them they just stared at each other bewildered and threw their gloves down Nyjer-style in anger, simultaneously remembering The Shark was sent to Syracuse. Also, Epsinosa's "error" was entirely the result of a bad throw by AnKiel. A Sharkless outfield is a sloppy outfield.
While the Sharkadina Duo could not attend the game, I want to leave you with this Shark Family Photo taken at NatsFest 2011. (thank you @tracytran)
"We are a non-traditional family of two male sharks raising two girl sharks in the big ocean of life. I smell a sitcom."
More to come.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Shark-less Nationals Win Game 2
Congratulations (Shark-less) Washington Nationals on your first win of the 2011 season! Despite a rain delay to start the game and a hail delay in the middle of the game, the Nationals pulled out a convincing 6-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The game had it's ups and downs (biggest down was that Roger Bernadina didn't play) but a victory is a victory, and the Nationals have a .500 win record for the first time in almost a year.
Shark rival RicK AnKiel hit his first home run of the season (although he suspiciously pulled on his red face mask again before the at bat and rounded those bases with shark-like speeds....) and had a suicide squeeze for 3 RBIs in the game.
Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman, and Rhino Ramos contributed to the victory (8 for 12, 3 R, 1 RBI)! Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche did not (0 for 10, 12 LOB!?!?!). It's excusable for Desmond, as he is still recovering from the shock of Bernadina's demotion. But LaRoche, come on.
Larry King was at the game today. He was there to interview Bernadina and threw an awful fit when they told him that the shark was demoted. The Nationals compromised by letting him throw the first pitch and giving him a dope leather jacket.
During the second weather delay, a team of renegade Shark fans ran out on the field and started constructing what appeared to be the base of a large shark tank over the infield. While they were eventually chased off the field, their structure remained until the grounds crew could clean it up after the rain. When asked about it, the leader of the group, Boomer Whiting said, "I will do everything in my power to get the Shark back on the field...and I have all sorts of power." Whiting then vanished in a cloud of smoke.
Many people left when the inclement weather returned, but real Shark fans were not deterred by a little rain or sleet...or hail.
Finally, for the second straight game, the Sharkadina Duo appeared on the Jumbotron. Wish we had footage of it...
More to come.
Shark rival RicK AnKiel hit his first home run of the season (although he suspiciously pulled on his red face mask again before the at bat and rounded those bases with shark-like speeds....) and had a suicide squeeze for 3 RBIs in the game.
Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman, and Rhino Ramos contributed to the victory (8 for 12, 3 R, 1 RBI)! Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche did not (0 for 10, 12 LOB!?!?!). It's excusable for Desmond, as he is still recovering from the shock of Bernadina's demotion. But LaRoche, come on.
Larry King was at the game today. He was there to interview Bernadina and threw an awful fit when they told him that the shark was demoted. The Nationals compromised by letting him throw the first pitch and giving him a dope leather jacket.
During the second weather delay, a team of renegade Shark fans ran out on the field and started constructing what appeared to be the base of a large shark tank over the infield. While they were eventually chased off the field, their structure remained until the grounds crew could clean it up after the rain. When asked about it, the leader of the group, Boomer Whiting said, "I will do everything in my power to get the Shark back on the field...and I have all sorts of power." Whiting then vanished in a cloud of smoke.
Many people left when the inclement weather returned, but real Shark fans were not deterred by a little rain or sleet...or hail.
Finally, for the second straight game, the Sharkadina Duo appeared on the Jumbotron. Wish we had footage of it...
More to come.
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Shark at Opening Day?
The Nationals lost 2-0 to the Atlanta Braves on a dreary Opening Day yesterday. I'm not going to say that the sole reason was that the Shark didn't play but I am going to think it really hard so that perhaps whoever reads this will think it as well (if it works that way).
Bernadina subs Laynce Nix and RicK AnKiel had very forgettable games. Nix came in as a pinch hitter with a man on third in the 7th and struck out. AnKiel went 0 for 3 with a walk (he was promptly thrown out, by a wide margin, trying to steal second). He also ended the game with a strike out (I guess that's why they usually capitalize the Ks in his name). Mako Morse didn't fair much better in left with a un-shark-like 0 for 4. Let's be honest. They needed the Shark.
That said, it is very possible that the Shark did make an appearance early on in the game. As the Nationals took the field at the top of the first, their center fielder was heavily covered up with a red mask... Sitting in Section 101 of the Shark Tank (outfield seats), I could tell that something was different about Mr. AnKiel. He seemed a lot faster than usual... Did he always have that protuberance on his back?
I came to the conclusion that "Rick AnKiel" was actually the Shark in disguise. The only reasoning I could guess was that AnKiel got pre-game jitters and was crying in the locker room. He must have gotten over it, because I instantly recognized his chiseled jaw in center field at the top of the second.
Conclusion: The Shark was the Opening Day starting center fielder for the Nationals.
Other thoughts:
Bernadina subs Laynce Nix and RicK AnKiel had very forgettable games. Nix came in as a pinch hitter with a man on third in the 7th and struck out. AnKiel went 0 for 3 with a walk (he was promptly thrown out, by a wide margin, trying to steal second). He also ended the game with a strike out (I guess that's why they usually capitalize the Ks in his name). Mako Morse didn't fair much better in left with a un-shark-like 0 for 4. Let's be honest. They needed the Shark.
That said, it is very possible that the Shark did make an appearance early on in the game. As the Nationals took the field at the top of the first, their center fielder was heavily covered up with a red mask... Sitting in Section 101 of the Shark Tank (outfield seats), I could tell that something was different about Mr. AnKiel. He seemed a lot faster than usual... Did he always have that protuberance on his back?
I came to the conclusion that "Rick AnKiel" was actually the Shark in disguise. The only reasoning I could guess was that AnKiel got pre-game jitters and was crying in the locker room. He must have gotten over it, because I instantly recognized his chiseled jaw in center field at the top of the second.
Conclusion: The Shark was the Opening Day starting center fielder for the Nationals.
Other thoughts:
- The Sharkadina Duo were officially the first fans on the jumbotron of the Nationals 2011 season!
- Upsettingly, Tyler Clippard's intro song wasn't 'Peaches' by The Presidents of the United States of America
- Something distracted me from watching Todd Coffey's sprint from the bullpen. Weak.
- The Syracuse Chiefs' (the team the shAAArk is currently playing for) Opening Day is April 14th. Who's up for a 7 hour road trip?
- VV Brown (a souldrummer favorite) has written a song about Roger Bernadina.
More to come.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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)
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.
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 |
More to come.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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
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
Monday, March 28, 2011
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.
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.