[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen getting first round pick?
The stories are not yet confirmed and trades cannot be officially announced for another five or six days, but the latest rumors from our correspondents in the Netherlands are pretty interesting. The Merchantmen management has claimed to be interested in only one thing: first round picks.

Maybe a bit farfetched, but we heard they are in the market for a first round pick. Who the other team would be is still a mystery, but history tells there are a few teams who the Merchantmen negotiate a lot with. Astoria, Fairbanks, North Plainfield and Rochester are the usual suspects, but don't count out Outer Banks and Fort Worth as they have been in more failed negotiations then succeeded trades.

The latest news on Jerry Aubrey is that teams are calling him old and don't want to give anything for him. Aubrey is still happy in his role in Maassluis, yet his payroll is pretty high for a backup at a minor position like tight end. Aubrey was an All IHOF selection in 2005, the Merchantmen feel he doesn't deserve playing his last two or three years in a backup role.

On Deon Chapa, we heard the Merchantmen have put a no new interest allowed stamp on him. Reportedly six teams have been involved in negotiations and the management has now decided to call it a game in negotiating. Those teams involved in talks have a shot, those not involved are out of the race. Rumors are they already cancelled a great deal that could have solved one of te biggest gaps on the starting lineups.

For those who missed it the first time, the Merchantmen were said to be looking for a cornerback, a backup quarterback, a left tackle and a right guard. Keep it in mind duringthe draft, because that's where they will likely go in the draft, if they really got a first round pick. And you all know them, they have done it before, it's just a matter of time and giving up enough to persuade other owners. Gossip News will keep you updated.