[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen traded Deon Chapa
Well, the words are not official yet, but Gossip News caught a conversation between IHOF owners which suggests the Merchantmen traded a player. The suspension is all on Deon Chapa. What they'll get is unsure, but there are rumors the Merchantmen have also given up a future first and second round pick. Adding up the talent, this sounds like a top ten pick and something extra.

We also hear that the Outer Banks Osprey are partners in negotiations with the Merchantmen. Apparently, the Osprey missed out on Chapa, but are still in negotiations with the Merchantmen for other players. Based on their needs, it seems that Alvin Causey is finally getting a new home after all the rumors about him getting franchises and traded.

In other news, the Rochester Lake Monsters and Astoria Heroes are openly proclaiming they have been getting great deals done. As these teams have been trading partners in the past, it wouldn't surprise us if either of the two teams is the next victim of the Merchantmen's trading desire.

Trading or not, the four proclaimed needs at backup quarterback, cornerback, backup left tackle and starting right guard are not filled. We have reason to beleive the Merchantmen have been talking with Syracuse (Maxwell Vice), Fort Worth (Timothy Lacy), Orlando (Alphonse Gale), Vicksburg (Eric Dietrich, Ike Schwartz) and Rochester (Isaac Bailey) to fill the voids at the offensive line. For the other two positions, free agency and the draft seem to be the place they are looking for.

We also have reason to believe that the Merchantmen are going to deal Jerry Aubrey as low as a sixth round pick pretty soon. The suspense that he's going to be dealt as exchange money has been confirmed by unanimous league sources. The Merchantmen management has arguably come to senses and understands that a 34-year old won't get much attention and especially isn't worth a second round pick. They might be starting to believe that trading him last offseason for a third round wouldn't have been a better scenario afterall.

What's expected to happen next? We are not sure, but we heard that the Merchantmen are tryingto package players and picks in hopes to get first or second round selections for them. Of course it's nonsense to expect it to happen, but you never know for sure. Especially with the Merchantmen.