[MIJB#19]

2008 Merchantmen Rookie Watch
With the arrival of a new season, the Merchantmen also drafted four rookies in the league draft. Defensive end Brenden Henderson didn't survive the post training camp roster cuts, but three others did. What are the up to so far?

Running back Scott Bagley had a decent pre-season, but mainly put the spotlights on himself with the four fumbles he had. Bagley got hurt in the third pre-season game and has been inactive. The pain in his back is almost completely gone now and Bagley is expected to be back to full training for the road game at the North Plainfield Plague.

Punter Sean Smalley is still sitting unsigned at the Merchantmen roster. His future in Maassluis is still unpredictable and could be shorter than planned. The team still has good faith in Smalley, but his salary demands made his position troubled. For now, the team keeps playing with veteran Roscoe Corrales and waits with signing Smalley to a contract.

Linebacker Bernie Surry was a surprise in training camp. Surry turned out to be a steal for a fifth round pick and hopes to remain a starter for the rest of the season. In his first game, Surry was active in 34 plays and played well. Surry made 2 tackles and an assist. But te main reason he was picked is his pass defense and Surry paid back with 1 defended pass.