[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen acquire new fullback, backup quarterback
As the offseason is getting a jump start with the bidding wars on staff members today, the Maassluis Merchantmen have agreed to two more trades to improve the team in some gap areas. The Merchantmen acquired fullback Jamel Rosenberry from Syracuse Mohawks to battle with Vincent Lopez for the starting job. To get him, the Merchantmen traded the #75 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

The Merchantmen also said goodbye to backup quarterback Antoine Shepard. He was traded to divisional rivals Paris Musketeers for quarterback Moe Baxter, while the team also traded up their lowest fourth and fifth round picks to higher positions in the fuirth round. Shepard was expected to be an important backup, knowing the system for two years. With the possibilty to get a more talented backup and trade up in the draft, the team can live with Baxter's relative high paycheck.

Also note that the Merchantmen have initiated talks with three other teams to possibly improve the team in two need areas. As good as the 2006 draft situation is to be active, these players can't be found in the draft. So far the Dutchmen have completed nine trades. The management asures that the trading days could be over soon as the cap situation is getting healthier. From now on, the team only expects to make trades during the draft or if another team approach for players listed on the trade block.