[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Sign Shepard And Page, Cut Norton
The Maassluis Merchantmen are happy to announce the longer stay of two backups in the backfield from last season. Quarterback Antoine Shepard and running back Kyle Page signed a new two-year contract to keep them around until the end of the 2006 season. In addition, the Merchantmen cut lineback Les Norton, who's position had become troublesome after the addition of Ellsworth Thelen and continueous arguements between defensive tackle Andrew King and Norton. Keeping around Shepard and Page makes it easier for the team to keep under the cap in 2006, as both signed close to minimum salaries for that season. It is expected that the Merchantmen management try to extend contracts of other backup players. Additionally, the Merchantmen hope to be able to settle a nice deal with guard Alvin Causey, who is expected to be out for the entire 2005 season and will be out of contract after that season. General manager M.IJ.B.: "Trading for Causey was a risk, but we are willing to take that risk for one of the best offensive linemen in the league." Signing Causey can be a problem after all, due to the 2006 cap problems.

Gossip News: Merchantmen Draft Options
We have reason to believe that the Merchantmen could select quarterback Mario Hudson if he's still available at the #6 pick overall. We acquired scouting reports from the Dutch team and have reason to believe hat they don't like the other options at quarterback, like Ron Lyle, Leonard Lyon and Jim McNown. Other names going around are safety Derrick Villagomez, cornerbacks Taj Wayne and Ron Huffman, and names of about every offensive lineman projected as a potential first or second round selection. Also don't be surprised if the Merchantmen just take the best player available at #12 overall, which could be one of the top running backs, Kurt Basso and Heath Barber. Plus, the Merchantmen are a team building on the defensive line, where the could still use an upgrade at the tackle position. Joel Woodock could fit in there...