IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Back At It, Acquire #10 Pick
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back in buisness. With a big trade, the Merchantmen acquired the #10 pick overall. To ge the pick, the Merchantmen gave up their 2009 first and second rounders, their 2007 second rounder at #48 overall and the 2008 second rounder from Bordeaux. In return they got the #10 pick from the Tucker Tigers and their 2009 second rounder.

General manager M.IJ.B. was excited: "Oh yes, this is a good trade for us. We could use the #10 pick to draft an impact player. I'm not going into names, but it should be obvious what our needs are. Left tackle and wide receiver remain as our big needs. Cornerback and running back are other options we could address."

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Yes! We did it! Wo got the #10 pick!

Great deal, I think, to get the #10 pick.
We talked earlier with Tucker, but back then they offered the pick for a player I didn't want to lose. No names here, but it was a very interesting offer to get the #10 and a player I tried to get from Tucker for this one player.

Anyway, we got the pick afterall and I think it's a good deal. If my team is good in 2008, we give up a late 1st and two mid 2nd rounders for the #10 pick. What I like is that it was my initial offer that did it. I went on a rampage, thought I offered so much that the deal would be interesting, but also the maximum I could offer. The trade of second rounders in 2009 adds some gamble to the trade and to win the tie-breaker I offered to add a player who's expendable here, but in the end that player was taken off the trade.

What will we do with this pick?
Too early to tell, but we have a pressing need at offensive tackle. Both Hurtado and Grimaldo were old guys and replacing both in one season would be a problem. We got Cornelius Rice, he looks good, but I think I need a good #3 tackle, preferable a left tackle. There are a few good prospects in the draft, but I'm not too sold on any of them. Justin McDavid scouted his former college teammate Grant Bidwell and there's guys named Donald Cook and Anthony Jimenez in the draft class. And then, I could also opt to trade the pick for a player...

Our other need is clearly wide receiver, but that seems to be a hot commodity today. Especially with the draft class lacking a real stud. The top prospects Jonathan Adams and Travis Joseph look like late first rounders, but maybe they could go higher with this latest trend to go for wide receivers.

Quarterback? Who knows? It's the year of the quarterback already. Paris, Outer Banks, Conyers, Boston, Columbus, all traded their best quarterbacks already. And with about 10 prospects who could get into the starting caliber, it's tempting to try to get a high pick and use it on a quarterback. And here we sit, at #10, with a possible shot at getting a passer at Louie Flannery's level of potential...

Last, but not least, this is where I want to sit when the draft is about to start. #10 is a great position to be able to move up or down once we get going. And really, our needs are not guys who should go #10, but more like at #15 and #25.

I still have a trump card out there, in terms of free agency bids, but today I withdrew an offer on one of the two top free agents I sent out? Too early to tell who, I just hope to sign the other guy today. I think we stand a good chance with the offer we made, especially since there seems to be hardly any competition.

Oh, and we're working the phones 24/7 to trade Lane Stedman. With the acquisition of Brian Hammond, who is the 3rd heaviest player in the league, with the top two still being a free agent at the moment, we have no room for Stedman.

Oh, last thing, my astrological signs manager failed again. It seems that our new secondary leader Danny Person isn't going along well with our stud cornerback Tai Wayne. And sadly, our second in line for the role will be conflicting with Wayne as well. Great...

Oh, and then something I just found out. The Bordeaux Vineyards are bringing in Gerald Harris as their new running back. The other Harris earned All IHOF honors and has been the leading double-threat running back in the IHOF. Well, maybe expect for Huey Gervais, who Bordeaux traded earlier, and Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson from the Astoria Heroes.

Back to the phones, there might be more good news later this off-season. Or so I hope...

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Lose Battle To Lake Monsters
The Maassluis Merchantmen today got disappointing news. The team had been pursueing free agent wide receiver Frederick Cabe, but the former Conyers Condors player signed with the Rochester Lake Monsters in stead. In contrast, the Merchantmen acquired Boston's fifth round draft pick in exchange for their own fourth round pick in 2009, giving them a freaking seven consecutive picks in the fifth round.

General manager M.IJ.B. was disappointed by Cabe's decission. "I think we offered him a big deal, but Rochester offered more per year over five rather than three years. Still, he was guaranteed to get 6.7 million dollars with us, in Rochester he's only guaranteed 6 million dollars." The loss to Rochester makes for some interesting warm up for the Fultility Bowl rivalry. "Well, not really, we won the last time."

With the acquisition of the fifth round pick the Merchantmen have acquired seven consecutive picks in the draft. M.IJ.B. "Well, they're lower round picks, but this gives some interesting options. If we have seven guys we like, we can all have them. And it's better than having to battle others for some rookie free agent and pay a lower talent guy more money."

The Merchantmen are said to be still looking for a wide receiver and offensive tackle. Having the #10 pick in the draft could help, but it might not be enough. M.IJ.B. "One pick, two needs. I think we're going to hope for a few gems with those late round picks." But with not getting Frederick Cabe, it looks like the Merchantmen failed to improve this off-season, even if they get an impact player with that pick. This smells like more .500 football in 2007 in the Netherlands...

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Merchantmen Lose Battle To Lake Monsters
The Maassluis Merchantmen today got disappointing news. The team had been pursueing free agent wide receiver Frederick Cabe, but the former Conyers Condors player signed with the Rochester Lake Monsters in stead. In contrast, the Merchantmen acquired Boston's fifth round draft pick in exchange for their own fourth round pick in 2009, giving them a freaking seven consecutive picks in the fifth round.

General manager M.IJ.B. was disappointed by Cabe's decission. "I think we offered him a big deal, but Rochester offered more per year over five rather than three years. Still, he was guaranteed to get 6.7 million dollars with us, in Rochester he's only guaranteed 6 million dollars." The loss to Rochester makes for some interesting warm up for the Fultility Bowl rivalry. "Well, not really, we won the last time."

But we've won 2 out of 3!

We are pretty excited about adding Cabe, but disappointed to miss out on the safety Adan Chambers.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
On to Plan B.

Frederick Cabe was the big ace I hoped to sign. With him I'd have felt confident of becoming a contender, big time. We lose the battle, and of all people, did it really have to be the Rochester GM to make the winning bid? That ought to be cool for the pre-game talks for Futility Bowl IV.

This also means a set-up trade won't go through. I promissed another team to trade one of our WRs to them if we would land Cabe, but no luck there. On the other hand, I do hope to get another trade done, which we were close to finalizing, I think. The #10 could come in pretty handy there.

Not getting Cabe means we can spent about 2M more than expected all of a sudden. I guess we can give tight end Jim Reiser a nice extension, rather than having to franchise him the upcoming seasons. I might go out there and make a few more free agent bids and fill out to the 70 men roster with that and our nine draft picks. And Lane Stedman is still a Merchantmen, for now.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

But we've won 2 out of 3!

We are pretty excited about adding Cabe, but disappointed to miss out on the safety Adan Chambers.

It's a bit too harsh to remind you that the Lake Monsters traditionally do worse after Futility Bowl (9-14 all time) than before the game (14-7 all time). With our matchup scheduled in week 3, that's got change in 2007.

Oh, we too play worse after the Futility Bowl (7-18) versus before (8-12).

[Kodos]

Regardless of the Cabe signing, next season could be a very long season for us if Williamson doesn't return with his ratings intact. Especially since we failed to land Ira Hanks.

[KWhit]

Cabe's a fool for not resigning with Conyers.


Except for the fact that we weren't offering nearly the money he was asking for.

[Kodos]

We were.

Consider it revenge for not accepting my trade proposal!

[KWhit]

Too bad you're not going to have a QB to get him the ball.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Too bad you're not going to have a QB to get him the ball.

Bastard!

[MIJB#19]

IHOF Breaking news: Merchantmen Trade #10 For Brooklyn's Ivan Jacques
The latest news is that the Maassluis Merchantmen just traded the just recently acquired #10 overall pick to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums to get left tackle Ivan Jacques. In addition they trade a fifth round pick in 2007 for Brooklyn's fourth round pick in 2009. The move comes after the news that Maassluis failed to sign free agent wide receiver Frederick Cabe. With this trade of picks, all Maassluis has left in the draft is seven straight fifth rounders.

General manager M.IJ.B. was not willing to comment on the issue yet: "Nope, we have no official confirmation, the trade hasn't been processed by the league office and a new player won't be presented until he arrives in Oranje Haven." Only to add: "Ivan Jacques could be the right guy to follow up Wilson Grimaldo for at least five seasons." More later if this trade is officially confirmed.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Too bad you're not going to have a QB to get him the ball.

So far you only have Dominic Lynch at QB.

For the non-IHOF readers:
KWhit is GM of the Conyers Condors, the 2005 AOC champions and team that traded their only QB under contract to trade for the #1 and #2 pick so they can presumably pick the top QB Chris Donaldson and RB Randy Reagor in the draft.

Kodos you all know. He's our good friend from the Rochester Lake Monsters, who are slowly turning into real rivals.

[KWhit]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

So far you only have Dominic Lynch at QB.

For the non-IHOF readers:
KWhit is GM of the Conyers Condors, the 2005 AOC champions and team that traded their only QB under contract to trade for the #1 and #2 pick so they can presumably pick the top QB Chris Donaldson and RB Randy Reagor in the draft.

Presumably???

What else am I gonna do, draft a punter like Celeval did?

[Kodos]

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
The trade is done, Ivan Jacques is ours.

Goodness, we have used the #10 pick overall premature! Jacques will be a great pass protection guy and should be better than any of the left tackle prospects in the draft. I did this whole trading and all in good sense, but some college GMs don't understand, I think. Or maybe it's me who makes the mistakes. I think it's time for the usual analysis. Which I will write tomorrow.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Trades Analysis
Oh yes, It's been a good old trading rampage in Maassluis, but you've seen the last of them pre-training camp ones already. Well, except for the trade that will send guard Lane Stedman elsewhere. And for any potential trade to give as a stud wide receiver. Or maybe a trade to gives us a future pick for our lowest fifth round pick. Anyway, what did we give and what did we got this off-season so far, excluding free agent signings? I've already scratches off everything that we got and sent out.

Going out:
RT Wilson Grimaldo
DE Scot Dick
RDT John Bryant
CB Gus Stoffers
DE Ian Degrange
QB Dominic Lynch
2009 1st rounder (Maassluis)
2007 2nd rounder (#7)
2007 2nd rounder (#9)
2007 2nd rounder (#16)
2007 2nd rounder (#17)
2008 2nd rounder (Bordeaux)
2009 2nd rounder (Maassluis)
2009 3rd rounder (Maassluis)
2009 4th rounder (Maassluis)
2007 5th rounder (#13)
2007 5th rounder (#16)
2007 5th rounder (#17)
2007 5th rounder (#21)
2007 5th rounder (#28)

Coming in:
LT Ivan Jacques
RT Cornelius Rice
TE Arnold Ramirez
WR Emmanuel Jennings
CB Danny Person
2008 2nd rounder (Vicksburg)
2009 2nd rounder (Tucker)
2009 2nd rounder (Outer Banks)
2009 2nd rounder (Vicksburg)
2009 2nd rounder (San Luis Obispo)
2008 3rd rounder (Conyers)
2009 3rd rounder (Paris)
2009 3rd rounder (Brooklyn)
2009 4th rounder (Brooklyn)
2007 5th rounder (#3)
2007 5th rounder (#5)
2007 5th rounder (#6)
2007 5th rounder (#7)
2007 5th rounder (#8)
2008 5th rounder (Vicksburg)
2008 5th rounder (Outer Banks)
2009 5th rounder (San Luis Obispo)

Right...
Okay, let's change that a bit so it's more readable. I'm scratching off future picks in the same round.
Going out:
RT Wilson Grimaldo
DE Scot Dick
RDT John Bryant
CB Gus Stoffers
DE Ian Degrange
QB Dominic Lynch
2009 1st rounder (Maassluis)
2007 2nd rounder (#7)
2007 2nd rounder (#9)
2007 2nd rounder (#16)
2007 2nd rounder (#17)

Coming in:
LT Ivan Jacques
RT Cornelius Rice
TE Arnold Ramirez
WR Emmanuel Jennings
CB Danny Person
2009 2nd rounder (x3)
2008 3rd rounder
2009 3rd rounder
2008 5th rounder (x2)
2009 5th rounder

There, that's more readable. And that would be ignoring the fact that we traded up a total of 66 picks in the fifth round. Now let's get on to a further analysis, weighing the players and picks out.

RT Wilson Grimaldo vs. LT Ivan Jacques & RT Cornelius Rice
here we give up the "best offensive tackle of the league" for a top 20 tackle and a guy who's at least good in run blocking, pass blocking and endurance. To me, the crucial part is that Grimaldo is a 34yo and together with Hurtado (33yo) it was just too risky to not get their replacements by this season. Now, Only one of the two (developed) replacements will play, while the other can sit in the stables waiting for Hurtado to retire and for stepping in with injuries.
edge: positivie

DE Scot Dick & DE Ian Degrange & RDT John Bryant vs. nothing
Here we lose three guys on the defensive line, of which two (Dick and Bryant) look like starters on paper. But then, I invested low round 2006 picks in Omar Gougeon (4th round) and Andy Weliczka (7th round) to replace Dick and Bryant, who were both accounting for too many cap space. And Degrange is a big talent, but was simply a locker room problem. So maybe I should have hired a different leader, but with Gougeon and Albert Bernardo, only Gougeon or Degrange would be starting.
edge: negative

CB Gus Stoffers vs. CB Danny Person
Well, this one evens out in talent, although Person is the older guy. Person is hired to be the new secondary leader and was signed for more years at the same cap figures.
edge: positive

QB Dominic Lynch vs. TE Arnold Ramirez & WR Emmanuel Jennings
There you go, "bye bye" mentor quarterback. Will it be worth it? I bet it is. I feel confident that offensive coordinator Antonio Francis can develope Louie Flannery into the "very good" rated quarterback he's scouted to be, without the help of Lynch. Besides, we were playing a numbers game at quarterback, with five guys signed, at least one had to go. Tight end Ramirez will give is a reliable #2 tight end, which we didn't have in 2006, while Jennings will make a very good #2 return specialist on both kickoff and punt returns.
edge: on par

2009 1st rounder (Maassluis) vs. nothing
Clearly, anything below the 2nd round can't compare to a 1st round pick. Here, I think I needed to give this pick up to get a replacement left tackle now, rather than in 2009. Balancing out with the right tackles, we lost some talent there, but if we do very well in 2008, this pick won't be good enough to pick a tackle of the Ivan Jacques level at all, while a Cornelius Rice type would cost a high second round pick.
edge: negative

2007 2nd rounder (x4) vs. 2009 2nd rounder (x3)
Oh my, four top half second rounders in the current draft going out for draft far away. Well, it's a numbers game and, unlike with the 1st rounder, I figured we need picks in the future too to be able to get a player we want. Not that I see much holes to fill in the future, but you never know when things happen like what happened to Justin McDavid, a career threatening injury.
edge: negative

2008 3rd rounder & 2009 3rd rounder & 2008 5th rounder (x2) & 2009 5th rounder vs. nothing
Here, we get some value in terms of picks to help out to get replacements in te future. The picks will certainly balance out with the loss of value in second rounders, but not with the first rounders. Still, I think most of these picks will eventually be traded.
edge: positive

So, I haven't factored in free agents yet, as they are not part of trades, but for the completeness of the off-season, here goes:

Going out: SS Earnest Atkins & WR Donovan Bradley
Both guys are young and were hired at the end of the 2006 season as injury repacements. Neither will be good enough to make the 2007 roster, yet we could try to hire them as restricted free agents. But then, they'd probably get no interested for a trade, so it would be useless and just a waste of roster spots. Well, unless one of the two breaks out, but even then neither makes a good change to reach the 60-men pre-season roster.

Coming in: CB Carlos Mitchem & G Brian Hammond & DT Johnny Meadows
Mitchem and Hammond are mentors and will be primairy backups. Both will probably be upgrades over the backups we had (Stoffers and Stedman), while the mentor roles are coming in as an additional trade. Meadows looks like he won't survive the 53-men roster cut day.

Bottom line of all is that I think we have addressed the tough need to replace our relative old offensive tackles, while we created the useful cap space by trading two defensive linemen, who would have been overpaid backups in Maassluis. The only real issue is the loss of the 2009 1st rounder and not getting enough value out of the 2007 2nd rounders. I think I have to blame myself there and haven't used my trading skills to the maximum there. But then, we traded them all in bigger trades and a guy like Ivan Jacques simply can't be had with any of the 2007 2nd rounders, while with the 2009 1st rounder, we'd have a comparable guy by 2011 or 2012. And if I got too little out of Wilson Grimaldo, well, maybe I traded with the wrong team, but I cerntainly don't see many teams trading a top 10 pick to get him, not at his age.

Last but not least, I still have a bunch of free agent offers open, to max our roster out to 63 and with seven draft picks waiting to be used. In Maassluis, we're already trying to figure out who the 17 casualties will be towards the regular season, so we can put them on the trading block in time to get them a job elsewhere, rather than becoming a free agent and being out of football by the start of 2008. Of course, one casualty is already identified as free safety Richard Muller is scheduled to miss most of the season and we will likely put him on injured reserve for the entire year.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Just to help out, what does the Merchantmen roster look like at the moment, with for each player rounded off scouting numbers:

Quarterbacks
QB Louie Flannery (45/65) - The clear #1 and I'm planning to reshape our gameplan to his profile, rather the old McDavid-game plan.
QB Shane Bower (30/50) - Still has to prove he's a reliable #2, but right now has the edge to keeping that role.
QB Mel Atkins (20/40) - Is our elite holder, although Flannery can do it too. Will have to win the battle for #3 to stay.
QB Justin McDavid (20/30) - This idolized guy is the least skilled. With his history he's got a chance to become the #2.
Additional players - It's not likely that we will add a player to this position group. Only if a true gem is there in the 5th round.


Running backs
FB Jamel Rosenberry (60/70) - Our obvious starting fullback. Great blocker with the skills to do goal line duty and also be a receiver.
RB Randy Harris (55/65) - He's the clear starter. Harris is still the best runner in most areas. Can catch a ball too.
RB Jonathan Smith (35/45) - He's still a good backup and made progress. Will likely be the #2 RB with his inside and outside runs.
Cedric Rubio (30/40) - Is losing it a bit. He's a longshot at the #2 and might even drop the #4.
FB Greg Berk (20/40) - Looks like a potential #2 fullback, but needs a good training camp to become an active roster guy.
RB Kyle Montoya (25/35) - Might have seen his last time here. Needs an impressive camp to not be replaced.
Additional players - It's a 9 out of 10 that we'll draftor sign a new RB to fight to the #3 role. We might add a #2 FB candidate too.


Tight ends
TE Jim Reiser (80/80) - Scouted as the best in the league, has the blocking and receiving skills. Is popular too.
TE Arnold Ramirez (35/45) - Can run block and looks like a decent receiver as well.
TE Charles Burley (20/40) - The guy can't block and that might cost him his job. He is a potential good receiver though.
TE Charlie Martins (20/30) - Elite long snapper and is a fair blocker. Those two skills will likely keep him around.
Additional players - It's unlikely we will get a new guy, unless we can find a better #3 with long snapping skills.


Wide receiver
SE Bryce Ewald (55/55) - Is still our best receiver. If only he could stay healthy all year...
FL Gregory Monti (45/50) - Like Ewald, a reliable receiver. But then, like Ewald, gets hurt every year too.
FL David Henkel (30/30) - Didn't turn out to be the #3 WR I hoped he could be. I'm undecided whether he'll get a second chance.
SE Devin Henson (25/30) - Slowly becoming an elite kickoff returner. Based on that he deserves a roster spot. Can be a #4 WR.
FL Emmanuel Jennings (20/25) - Can return kickoffs and punts. Looks like a pure return specialist, little potential as a receiver.
SE Matt Offord (15/25) - Is becoming a long shot to make it. Can only return punts and Jennings can do that just as well.
Additional players - Well, it should be obvious that we might bring in one or two guys to try out for the #1 to #4 WR jobs.


Offensive linemen
LT Ivan Jacques (70?/70?) - Coming soon! Should be the pass blocking LT I always wanted to have.
C Brant Heinrich (45/60) - Looks good this way, but he's only good in run and pass blocking.
C Bubba Kerney (30/55) - Pass blocking specialist. Only lacks the endurance to be the starter.
G Butch White (45/50) - Is a very good run blocker and that's what a guard should do.
LT Harold Hurtado (45/45) - Will move to the right side with Jacques, is mainly a run blocker.
G Timothy Lacy (40/55) - should become an excellent run blocker, but like White lacks the pass protection skills.
RT Cornelius Rice (40/45) - Will be the primairy OL backup. Is our third best pass blocker, behind Jacques and Kearney.
G Brian Hammond (35/40) - Is just as good as White and Lacy, but should be their backup.
LT Edgar Dunkin (25/40) - if only the guy had stamina, he'd been given a shot to develop into a good pass protector.
G Eric Dietrich (25/40) - Has good run blocking potential, but seems to lack the skills to become a starter.
C Ernie Taylor (15/40) - Is potentially a good backup, but with Kearney here a longshot to survive the cuts.
Additional players - Not likely to happen, I'm happy with the top 3 guards and top 3 tackles, while Heinrich is good enough.


Kickers
P Roscoe Corrales (55/55) - Used to have the best hang time in the IHOF, but he's slowly losing it. Might be replaced.
K Cary Coles (45/55) - Is our best points kicker. Lacks the power to score 50+ yarders. Should stay.
K Al Bettis (20/40) - Is mainly a kickoff kicker and should be in the IHOF's top 16 there. Should stay.
Additional players -I might bring in a punter for injury reasons and maybe a kicker who can do it all.


Defensive linemen
DT Charles Gomez (85/85) - Best defensive tackle in the IHOF. Do I need to say more?
DT Stanley Jacke (25/50) - The guy has potential, but will not likely start for us.
DE Albert Bernardo (45/45) - Will likely start again. Should be mentoring Gougeon into a star.
DT Andy Weliczka (30/45) - 7th round pick. Should develope into a very good run stopper.
DE Britt Bycroft (30/45) - A running downs specialist. Not sure what to do with him. Is good enough, but I like Gougeon a lot.
DE Omar Gougeon (15/40) - Marginal talented? The guy should become a very good pass rusher some day.
DT Johnny Meadows (15/35) - has a shot at making it as the #7 DL player. Needs to reach more for his run defense potential.
Additional players - We'll probably bring in one or two guys here to challenge the others. We could use a mentor DT.


Linebackers
MLB Cody Cluff (60/70) - Still looking like a potential excellent run stopper and has some covering skills too.
WLB Mike Kershner (45/65) - Now he's got his own mentor and the best linebacker coordinator. Time to reach that potential!
ILB Carl Meier (50/60) - Has made progress over the season change. This all-rounder screams for a 3-4 defense.
SLB Ellsworth Thelen (50/50) - If the guy could do the pass protection, he'd be an elite linebacker.
WLB Josh Weisberg (45/45) - For a backup he's very good. He can step in when needed and is a mentor.
Additional players - We need a few training camp bodies. Especially if we're moving to 3-4, but that's unlikely.


Defensive Backs
CB Tai Wayne (45/65) - Made progress, despite the injury. Our shutdown corner will be back strong in 2007!
SS Lincoln Gilmore (45/55) - The comeback kid. Will again be our run stopping and coverage strong safety.
SS Emile William (35/50) - Will battle with Cole for the #1 job at FS. It's 50-50 game right now.
CB Carlos Mitchem (40/45) - Has all the tools to start, but doesn't have the intercepting skills Stidham has.
FS Richard Muller (40/45) - Will likely spend the 2007 on injured reserve. We don't expect him to return better than Cole or William.
CB Danny Person (40/40) - The new secondary leader. Is an elite man-to-man marker. Not sure what to do with him yet.
FS John Cole (30/40) - Will fight it out with William for the #1 FS job. His intercepting skills give him an advantage.
CB Johnnie Stidham (25/40) - Will more than likely be a starter in 2007. If he can mirror his 2006 interceptions figure, that'd be awesome.
CB Desmond Craig (25/35) - Has become a longshot to survive the roster cuts. Does have the cohesion plus to show for it.
SS Lamar Singleton (15/30) - Needs to break out to become an active roster member. Can only do zone coverage and intercept.
CB Myron Stevens (15/20) - Was a decent nickel back. Seems to have lost potential. Longshot at surviving the roster cuts.
Additional players - We're always looking for CB upgrades, so it's not unlikely we'll try to get one, again. A #2 SS safety would help too.

[MIJB#19]

Popular Merchantmen Players
A recent poll amongst Merchantmen fans was held to figure out who the most popular players are. Fro the top 10, quarterback Louie Flannery is missing from the list, but our sources say he ranks 11th and is just one or two heroic moments away from entering the top 10. Running back Randy Harris has moved up to the #1 spot, with Mike Kershner again in second, while Fumblin' Justin has dropped to third place. Star defensive tackle Charles Gomez only ranks nineth, just behind middle linebacker Cody Cluff and the surprize #6, punter Roscoe Corrales. The complete top ten:
1 - RB Randy Harris
2 - WLB Mike Kershner
3 - QB Justin McDavid
4 - TE Jim Reiser
5 - SE Bryce Ewald
6 - P Roscoe Corrales
7 - G Timothy Lacy
8 - MLB Cody Cluff
9 - DT Charles Gomez
10 - QB Shane Bower


The top 5 of least popular players amazingly includes interception machine Johnnie Stidham. The number five was not fair to be listed, as the guy is new to the team. The top 5:
1 - LT Edgar Dunkin
2 - CB Johnnie Stidham
3 - CB Myron Stevens
4 - RB Kyle Montoya
5 - CB Carlos Mitchem

[MIJB#19]

Press Release: Merchantmen Present Left Tackle Ivan Jacques
The Maassluis Merchantmen management is proud to present left tackle Ivan Jacques as the new star of the offensive line. The team traded the #10 overall pick to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. With this move, the Merchantmen address the biggest need this off-season. This news comes as a welcome feel-good moment after losing the bidding war on wide receiver Frederick Cabe. In contrast, fan favorite Fumblin' Justin McDavid will make his comeback the upcoming season.

Ivan Jacques was a starter on the Brooklyn offense for the 2004 and 2005 season. After the team acquired left tackle Donald Brown through a trade with the Boston Rhinos in the 2006 off-season, Jacques was benched and saw playing time in only 7 offensive plays last season. Jacques had become a locker room problem and the Maassluis Merchantmen saw a potential trade.

Earlier this off-season, the Maassluis Merchantmen stunned the IHOF by trading the much appreciated right tackle Wilson Grimaldo to the Vicksburg Vipers for third year right tackle Cornelius Rice. Last season Grimaldo had allowed only 1 sack in 400 passing plays and he was concidered the best offensive tackle in the game. However, with Grimaldo turning 34 in the 2007 pre-season and Maassluis' left tackle Harold Hurtado turning 33 come April, the team felt a need to move Grimaldo and get two younger replacements.

General manager M.IJ.B. explains: "Our scouting department rates Ivan Jacques as the third best pass blocker amongst left tackles. As we all know, left tackle is a tough postion to play and requires a true specialist to start there. Now we can play Hurtado on the right side and have Rice as an insurance policy for injuries and future years. People tend to overlook the fact that Jacques is 26-and-a-half years younger than Grimaldo. Vicksburg is happy with Grimaldo, Brooklyn happy to be without Jacques and we are happy with both."

With this trade, the Merchantmen address the biggest need in the franchise, the replacement of the offensive tackles in one single off-season. The team feels that giving up a 2009 first round pick is worth the talent Jacques brings in, especially with a draft pick not reaching Jacques level of play until the 2011 season.

In the past off-seasons, the Merchantmen have more than once gotten one of two players they really wanted. In 2005 they drafted cornerback Tai Wayne, but failed to trade for guard Gene Simmons. In 2006 they drafted quarterback Louie Flannery, but again failed to acquire Gene Simmons. In 2007 they team acquires left tackle Ivan Jacques through trade, but fails to sign wide receiver Frederick Cabe.

The acquisition of Jacques can't entirely make up for not signing wide receiver Frederick Cabe as a free agent. General manager M.IJ.B.: "Cabe was the guy we wanted. He chose a longer contract with only a little bit less guaranteed money and a team that performed better each of the past three seasons. It's his right to do so. Not getting both players we had our eyes on, that's not just how it goes. It just means we keep our eyes open to other options to upgrade our receivers corps."

Last but not least, the management wants to repeat that Justin McDavid is not going to leave the Merchantmen this off-season and will be on roster for the 2007 season. "Fumblin' Justin" is a popular player and the drop in fans has kept the team from willing to part ways with him. The team traded away mentor quarterback Dominic Lynch to make room for McDavid and might do the same to former Springfield Isotopes starter Mel Atkins after pre-season.

[MIJB#19]

General manager notes
Hello fans, here's the GM again.
For those who haven't figured out yet from earlier news, we've got 7 draft picks left this year, all in the fifth round and being the #130 to #136 overall.

We've explored the draft class and pointed out 60 players as candidates to be drafted. No worries of seeing them all gone by the time we're on the clock, although some should. We've devided the rookies in three categories:
* 16 major improvements, no-brain picks if they by miracle make it all the way to our selections
* 24 potential upgrades, players who will need to show they're worth it in training camp and pre-season to win a starting role
* 20 rough diamonds, players who migh not be starters, but could be interesting players some day and have a good shot at surviving the 53-men roster cut day

Of the first group, these guys shouldn't fall to our picks at all. They're first round guys, with some being second round picks. They could be interesting to trade into the draft for with our acquired future picks. (Of course, first trading four picks out of the second round and then trading back in doesn't look good on your resume, so I think we'll only do it to get such a guy in the low second round or deeper down.)

Of the second group, I doubt that all will make it to our picks, but I actually expect to see at least seven of these guys to make it. Almost all of these players are scouted in the 20/50 region.

The third group are potential free agent picks ups, or we could try to trade into the draft to get such a guy with a future 5th round pick traded for a 6th rounder or so.

Bottom line is, I think, that all our draft picks should be worth it to make the 53-men roster. Last season I traded to get a fullback in the sixth round and the guy simply didn't work out. We released him mid-way the season, but he never even was worth putting on the active roster. But then, all other draft picks have worked out in a way so far. A little analysis.

2005.1.12 CB Tai Wayne - Our shutdown corner, missed 2006 to injury, will start in 2007
2005.1.28 G Butch White - Was almost traded after disappointing 2005 season, but in 2006 he showed he's a start-worthy run blocker
2005.1.31 QB Leonard Lyon - Looked like a bust and was traded after his rookie year, is hoping to start again in 2007 for Springfield
2005.1.32 C Brant Heinrich - Was pretty good in 2005, a weak link in 2006, will probably start again in 2007
2005.3.32 WR Devin Henson - Kickoff returner for profession, has turned out to be worth the pick in 2006
2005.5.25 RB Kyle Montoya - Has spent two years on the inactive roster, and has almost been released before
2006.1.05 QB Louie Flannery - Should turn out to be the real thing, only a 13 picks in 4 games streak destryed his image
2006.4.27 DE Omar Gougeon - In potential a top20 pass rushing DE, this guy will startin 2007, no doubt
2006.5.30 SS Lamar Singleton - Should have been signed as a free agent, he's a longshot to make it if we draft a new S
2006.5.31 C Ernie Taylor - Busted a bit, as we should have expected; is a longshot at making the 53-men roster in 2007
2006.6.24 FB Doug Nelson - Looked like a steal, but then we saw he isn't real; released mid-way 2006
2006.7.01 DT Andy Welizcka - Steal of the draft? Has become a starter on our traditional position group as run defense specialist

I have reason to believe that this year's draft will bring us seven new players in the level of talent as Devin Henson, Omar Gougeon and Andy Welizcka. The fifth round should bring us guys who would be mid to low third rounders in other years. How cool would that be?

Oh, here's a shocker: Our scouting staff thinks that Wilson Grimaldo has the potential to be the IHOF's best player. Go us for trading him!

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen Looking For High Second Round Pick
More often than not, the Merchantmen management changed their minds. This yeat, it won't be different. First they trade an offensive tackle, get a new one in the trade, but all of a sudden they turn around and trade the franchise to get the #10 pick, only to trade it again to get an offensive tackle.

Well, we've got news, we hear they Merchantmen are trading back into the draft. That is, in the rounds that do matter. The Chesapeake Chitterlings are advertising picks, including the #11 in the second round. And the Merchantmen are said to be interested. Hello? The Merchantmen already traded the #7, #9, #16 and #17 in the second round away!

Here's the trick the Merchantmen tried to sign free agent wide receiver Frederick Cabe. But then Cabe decided to go for more money to the Merchantmen's out of division rivals, the Rochester Lake Monsters. And now, they want back in the draft to get the top receiver Jonathan Adams. Of course, a well prepared management should know that the top receiver will not make it to the second round, even if the best guy is second round material.

The Merchantmen just mess around, they're hopeless, no way they'll even become championship contenders with this trend. Also, we here they might pursue quarterback Caleb Dinger. The former Vicksburg Vipers hero and last season the Norm Rizzo understudy for the Telluride Outlaws is still a free agent and the Merchantmen have a bout five million of cap room after negotiations with left tackle Ivan Jacques and wide-out Bryce Ewald.

And what's up with the fifth rounders? The Merchantmen are, again, the joke of the league. The days of the 1-15 season, the fumbling of fan favorite Justin McDavid and the inability to score from Randy Harris are back alive. The only thing missing as a superb Jerry Aubrey, who's playing for the contenders from Rochester. His succesor Jim Reiser might be the best tight end in the league, but so far, he's not willing to sign a new deal with the Merchantmen. if that isn't a clear sign, then what is?

[MIJB#19]

Editor's Note
The IHOF will be on hold for two weeks, so there will be little to write about the upcoming period. Maybe I will write something, but it depends on inspiration and having something interesting to write. Let's get teasing again with a few cliffhangers and all. What's coming up next?

Answers on big questions like:
Are fifth round picks really going to help to improve the team?
Will Harold Hurtado continue to start and be the offensive leader?
Can Jimmy Reiser make the fans forget about Jerry Aubrey?
How will Johnnie Stidham and Tai Wayne work-out together in the secondary?
Is 2007 going to be the first winning season?
And 2008, will there be more trading?
Will Charles Gomez continue his All IHOF form?
How good will Omar Gougeon and Any Welizcka wutn out to be?


The main cliffhangers will obviously be:
Will the best linebackers defensive coordinator be able to develop Mike Kershner?
Is Ivan Jacques the desire pass protection?
Will the Merchantmen get Louie Flannery a deep threat wide receiver?
Can the defense keep defenses below 300 yards again?
And will the Merchantmen pickup Gene Simmons as a free agent?


But the most intrueging question of them all is still:
Will Fumblin' Justin McDavid make the comeback of the year and win the starting job back?


Stay tuned, the first and only alive IHOF Dynasty will be back... In the new year!

[MIJB#19]

Editor's note
This is a final bump to vote in the Merchantmen Player of the Year 2006 poll. For a link, either go to the dynasty poll forum or click on "Maassluis Merchantmen" in my signature.

[MIJB#19]

Olive Is 151st Merchantmen Player
The off-season is heading towards the draft, yet the Maassluis Merchantmen are never busy trading. A few days ago, the Merchantmen management announced the trade of backup left tackle Edgar Dunkin to acquire Bordeaux Vineyards' left tackle Darrin Olive. In addition, the Merchantmen give a 2009 third round pick and get a fourth in the trade.

Olive should be an upgrade at the backup spot on the offensive line and make the scare for injuries history at the line and especially tackle positions. Olive will battle with Cornelius Rice and legend Harold Hurtado for a starting job opposite Ivan Jacques. Olive played for the Vineyards since the league start, but fell to a backup role the past season. So, Olive will probably have the same problem in Maassluis, but th chance to play against Bordeaux should make up for it, in a way.

With the addition of left tackle Darrin Olive, the Merchantmen have acquired 152 different players in team history. 53 players were acquired in the 2004 league draft followed by 56 signed as a free agent, 31 acquired in a trade and 12 players were picked in the amateur drafts of 2005 and 2006. With cornerback Johnnie Stidham acquired twice, the team actually acquired 150 before Olive, thus making him #151.

Here are the 153 names with their current teams and roles, in order of acquisition as approved by the league office. Note that Edgar Dunkin and Darrin Olive are not officially traded yet.
1 DT Charles Gomez - Maassluis starter
2 DE Harold Wells - Bordeaux starter
3 DT Robert Duong - Fairbanks starter
4 DE Deon Chapa - Rochester starter
5 RB Randy Harris - Maassluis starter
6 DT John Bryant - Georgia starter
7 DE Cecil Doney - Tucker starter
8 WR Gergory Monti - Maassluis starter
9 QB Justin McDavid - Maassluis backup
10 WR Fredric Vargas - North Plainfield starter
11 WR Amos Collins - Rochester starter
12 FB Mark Burger - Fort Worth starter
13 LB Cody Cluff - Maassluis starter
14 LB Mike Kershner - Maassluis starter
15 TE Jim Reiser - Maassluis starter
16 TE Jerry Aubrey - Rochester starter
17 RB Jonathan Smith - Maassluis backup
18 WR Raul Marshall - Fairbanks backup
19 WR Bryce Ewald - Maassluis starter
20 S Percy Francis - Outer Banks backup
21 CB Earl Turner - (retired)
22 LB Sam Sasa - (retired)
23 S Lincoln Gilmore - Maassluis starter
24 S Randall Smith - Paris starter
25 DT Stanley Jacke - Maassluis backup
26 DE Geoff Lake - (retired)
27 OT Russell Malave - Telluride backup
28 FB Vincent Lopez - (retired)
29 CB Gus Alston - (retired)
30 CB C.J. Schwartz - (retired)
31 CB David Armstead - (retired)
32 LT Seth Hirsch - (retired)
33 LB Les Norton - (retired)
34 LB Britt Silvan - (retired)
35 QB Earnest Sheldon - (retired)
36 RB J.J. Palacios - (retired)
37 RB Kyle Page - (retired)
38 LB Matt Sellers - Fairbanks backup
39 OT Jeff Fontenot - (retired)
40 G Albert Young - (retired)
41 TE Ethan Winfield - (retired)
42 G David Burdett - (free agent)
43 C Tom Schwartz - Astoria free agent
44 C Julio Carranza - (retired)
45 G Devin McDaniel - (retired)
46 CB Zack Kinney - (retired)
47 LB Oren Lashley - (retired)
48 S Graham Stevens - (retired)
49 QB Calvin Snider - (retired)
50 LT Willie Dudley - (retired)
51 G Darrin Nellums - (retired)
52 P Roscoe Corrales - Maassluis backup
53 K Cary Coles - Maassluis backup
54 DT Andrew King - Springfield free agent
55 QB Antoine Shepard - Paris backup
56 WR Arnulfo Arnett - (retired)
57 QB Jerrold Sipes - (retired)
58 CB Johnnie Stidham - Maassluis starter
59 CB Jose Haggard - (retired)
60 DE Junior McKeehan - Columbus free agent
61 C R.J. Miller - Chesapeake backup
62 RB Seth Kinney - (retired)
63 CB Dennis Preciado - Conyers backup
64 LT Harold Hurtado - Maassluis starter
65 LB Ellsworth Thelen - Maassluis starter
66 OT Wilson Grimaldo - Vicksburg starter
67 DE Albert Bernardo - Maassluis starter
68 S Wiley McGhee - San Luis Obispo starter
69 S Richard Muller - Maassluis backup
70 G Alvin Causey - Bordeaux starter
71 LB Roosevelt Whalen - (free agent)
72 RB Roy Kesler - (retired)
73 S John Cole - Maassluis starter
74 RB Kyle Montoya - Maassluis backup
75 WR Devin Henson - Maassluis backup
76 G Butch White - Maassluis starter
77 CB Tai Wayne - Maassluis starter
78 CB Steven Davis - (retired)
79 RB Kennedy Colwell - Brooklyn free agent
80 LB Mitch Groh - (retired)
81 WR Lonnie O'Reilley - (retired)
82 DT Cornelius Farr - (retired)
83 CB Sammie Hernandez - (retired)
84 TE Charlie Martins - Maassluis backup
85 CB Desmond Craig - Maassluis backup
86 QB Leonard Lyon - Springfield starter
87 C Brant Heinrich - Maassluis starter
88 QB Aubrey Brunelle - (retired)
89 CB Carl O'Hara - (free agent)
90 WR Mario Halas - (retired)
91 LT Hunter Myers - (retired)
92 DT Bryan Fyie - (retired)
93 CB Angel Tong - (retired)
94 TE Jack Ohare - (retired)
95 DE Scot Dick - Paris starter
96 QB Mel Atkins - Maassluis backup
97 LT Edgar Dunkin - Bordeaux backup
98 QB Moe Baxter - Conyers free agent
99 LB Josh Weisberg - Maassluis backup
100 G Timothy Lacy - Maassluis starter
101 G Eric Dietrich - Maassluis backup
102 WR David Henkel - Maassluis backup
103 FB Jamel Rosenberry - Maassluis starter
104 CB Johnnie Stidham - Maassluis starter
105 CB Gus Stoffers - Outer Banks backup
106 QB Shane Bower - Maassluis backup
107 P Lester Murrell - Orlando backup
108 LB Carl Meier - Maassluis backup
109 G James Paddock - (free agent)
110 S Norman Mueller - Orlando free agent
111 RB Vincent Tavares - (free agent)
112 DE Richard Stutz - (retired)
113 LB Karl Mercer - (free agent)
114 FB Charles Reuter - (free agent)
115 DE Erik Springer - (retired)
116 DE Omar Gougeon - Maassluis starter
117 S Lamar Singleton - Maassluis backup
118 C Ernie Taylor - Maassluis backup
119 FB Doug Nelson - Tucker free agent
120 DT Andy Weliczka - Maassluis starter
121 K Al Bettis - Maassluis backup
122 CB Myron Stevens - Maassluis backup
123 WR Andre Horning - Springfield backup
124 OT Jeramy Thompson - (retired)
125 LB Kenneth Field - (retired)
126 S Bernard Buffington - (free agent)
127 QB James McKnight - (free agent)
128 WR Matt Offord - Maassluis backup
129 QB Louie Flannery - Maassluis starter
130 TE Charles Burley - Maassluis backup
131 DE Ian Degrange - Outer Banks backup
132 RB Cedric Rubio - Maassluis backup
133 S Emile William - Maassluis backup
134 DE Britt Bycroft - Maassluis backup
135 G Lane Stedman - Georgia backup
136 CB Laurence Gerry - (free agent)
137 QB Dominic Lynch - Conyers backup
138 LT Kerry McLaurin - (free agent)
139 C Bubba Kearney - Maassluis backup
140 C Duane Bishop - (retired)
141 FB Greg Berk - Maassluis backup
142 S Earnest Atkins - Maassluis free agent
143 WR Donovan Bradley - Maassluis free agent
144 TE Arnold Ramirez - Maassluis backup
145 WR Emmanuel Jennings - Maassluis backup
146 OT Cornelius Rice - Maassluis backup
147 CB Danny Person - Maassluis backup
148 G Brian Hammong - Maassluis backup
149 DT Johnny Meadows - Maassluis backup
150 CB Carlos Mitchem - Maassluis backup
151 LT Ivan Jacques - Maassluis starter
152 LT Darrin Olive - Maassluis backup

Of these 151 different names, 93 no longer are Merchantmen players. Of these 92, 60 were released, 27 were traded, 6 left as free agents and none retired. Interesting tidbit is probably that of the 53 initial league draft selections, 24 are out of football, of which only 1 made an official retirement as a Boulder Blizzard player (Vincent Lopez). Of these 53 initial players, free agents David Burdett and Tom Schwartz are the only two unretired players whole were not traded away or are still on roster.

[MIJB#19]

Fans Choose Charles Gomez As Player Of The Year
After Charles Gomez' individual amazing season, with 99 tackles and 12.5 sacks, and being chosen the best defensive tackle in the IHOF, Gomez was awarded again. By an internet poll, the Maassluis Merchantmen fans voted for Gomez as the Merchantmen player of the year 2006. With 57% of te votes, it was a runaway poll. Offensive tackle Wilson Grimaldo ended up second, with 14% of the votes. Gomez won the fan poll in 2005 as well, although then he had to share the title in a three-way tie with quarterback Justin McDavid and and defensive end Harold Wells.

Gomez seemed excited by the poll: "I guess my stats helped me, but I see it as a team performance. We've not been the best defensive in the game, yet managed to make big plays at times and help out. Besides, I thought guys like Randy [Harris], Wilson [Grimaldo], Johnnie [Stidham] and Cody [Cluff] would be really close. Anyway, someone had to win it and I'm proud to win this title. Thank you, fans!"

Gomez was the first player taken by the Maassluis Merchantmen in the league draft back in 2004, at #23 overall. After a strong effort in that first year, Gomez earned SI.com All AOC honors. A year later, Gomez earned All IHOF second team honors. 2006 was his best year so far, with the stats and the Best Defensive Tackle in the IHOF title. In 2007, Gomez is expected to remain as the leader of the defense and have another shot at award ceremonies.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen Hiring Fan As Manager
It's premature, but our sources picked up signs that the Maassluis Merchantmen are hiring a new general manager. No, M.IJ.B. is not givien the sack for the ridiculas trade sprees, but the g.m. says he's got volleyball related issues and needs a replacement. Well, we hear that the president of the Fumblin' Justin fan club, WadeMoore, has been pursued to step in. Even after the way the fan burnt the garden of M.IJ.B.'s house after Fumblin' Justin lost his starting job.

Wade Moore was quoted something like: "Hell, yes what an opportunity. I've been helping around in the IHOF and I think I can bring the Merchantmen to glory!" Wade Moore claims he has been managing a football team called the Tampa Bay Torpedoes in some league called the CFL to the playoffs, but our sources are unsure of the existence of this team. Of course, if it were true, the Merchantmen could use some of this guys skills.

But what the hell can the guy do for this team? The Merchantmen have only seven picks and all are in the fifth round of the draft. The team will be stuck with names like Bucky Longfellow, the other Donaldson quarterback named Roderick, Horace Earthman, Norbert Tijerina, Dale Glenndenning, Phillip Trockmorton and Vernon Rachmaninoff. Of course, if there's one place where unpronouncable names could fit, it's with the Merchantmen. Poor WadeMoore, they guy will have to spell and pronounce those names. Or is that his penalty?

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Good times are here, the draft is about to start and we just signed two interesting players long-term.

First of all, we signed TE Jim Reiser to a new contract. He'll be given a modest salary for an elite receiver in the IHOF, but then, he's loyal, wants to be part of our next big steps and I think he's a crucial part in our success. Afterall, he broke the franchise receptions record, despite being the successor of All IHOF first teamer Jerry Aubrey.

Andy Weliczka will be Charles Gomez' side-kick throughout the 2010 season. The run specialist signed a new four-year deal and will end all the rumors of us trying to hire a better DT. Well, that is, we could use a better DT, but what's the use of putting Weliczka on the bench for two years? He'd better get experience on the line with Gomez, Bernardo and our other hot guy, Omar Gougeon.

We're still on the market to hire free agents, but I'm not expecting to see anything fall through. In the end, we'll be having 70 players signed after the draft if they all sign with us. The seven draft picks will all be likely used and the list of players to be taken is down to 45. The plan is so easy now, anybody could do the job.

And that's what is going to happen, maybe. I'll be probably in no opportunity to make the fifth round picks myself if the draft will go pretty fast. To counter act and be in control, I've recruited a replacement general manager, who will act as I would on draft day in my time of absence. He'll be having the power to make his own decission too, a bit, but I doubt it will be required, whether that's a good thing or not, we'll see in the end.

With the off-season moving forward, our roster is again dropping fast on the roster value list. We rank 25th right now, knowing that Conyers, Springfield and Ann Arbor should be able to get past us the upcoming weeks.

By the way, there's been some trade interest in cornerback Tai Wayne recently. No, no names, as usual, but we've been giving a huge offer for him. I declined as I see Wayne as a crucial element on our defense and I doubt I can immediately find a replacement cornerback. That is even despite the conflict he's got with leader Danny Person.

Right now, It's time to plan a bit ahead and see which players might get released following training camp. I mean, the 60 to 53 men cut day could include all 7 drafted rookies, but with them all making it, we need to release 7 players who are now on roster. And 3 others will have to go immediately after training camp, not counting safety Richard Muller, who will be put on injured reserve at some point.

My job is far from over this off-season, but it's getting intersting now. The draft is about to start, let the show begin!

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen And Wide Receivers Don't Match
"My house for a wide receiver!" At times, you'd think the Merchantmen have no clue what they want. Remember, back in the day the IHOF started? Amos Collins, Raul Marshall and Fredric Vargas were still Merchantmen. It's 2006 and the Merchantmen are stuck with Gregory Monti and Bryce Ewald. Not the worst of receivers, but both have suffered a big hit in their skills after injuries in 2004.

It's early 2007 and the Merchantmen found their franchise quarterback in Louie Flannery. Flan' knows how to find top tight end Jim Reiser and all-round running back Randy Harris, but he's got troubles reaching his receivers. Flannery likes to toss long passes, especially the deep ones, but looking at the Merchantmen roster, the team lacks a deap threat receiver. Remember last season, when Orlando Knights' stud Reggie Norris made rookie Michael Prescott look like the real thing at quarterback.

Fredrick Cabe was supposed to be the solution. Guess again, the Merchantmen tried to get him for an apple and an egg, as the management called it. Cabe is a Lake Monster and will be playing against the Merchantmen in week 3 of the 2007 season. Their new target seems to be Ruben Deck, but the former Anaheim Matterhorn doesn't even come close to a stud receiver and there are more teams in the race for his services. And the draft won't be much helpful either.

David Henkel, Emmanuel Jennings, Devin Henson and maybe Matt Offord. Those will be the wide receivers again in 2007 behind Monti and Ewald. If they even make the roster cuts. The latetst news around the Masters of Trading is a departure of some of them. Especially Henkel and Offord could be gone pretty soon. Henson saved his but with his league league two kickoff return touchdowns. Jennings is new, but you never know how safe your job is in Maassluis.

2007, it will be Flannery to Reiser all over, again. The over/under with the bookmakers is set at 75, only four receptions below Reiser's franchise record. The goals for Monti and Ewald are more modest at 40 receptions each. Chances are that neither starting receiver will be in the Merchantmen's top three receivers in 2007. Fullback Jamel Rosneberry (36 catches in 2006) and running back Randy Harris (39 catches in 2006) will be back strong in 2007.

Still, Flannery loves to toss a few long bombs once in a while and to avoid interception, the Merchantmen need a deep threat receiver. Reiser lacks the speed and agility, big-play guy David Henkel lacks the ability to get open and to get downfield for it. The Merchantmen are still searching for this receiver. And the draft will unlikely help out there, because, looking at the options there are, it doesn't look good for Maassluis.

Right now, the Merchantmen keep hoping to land free agent Ruben Deck. And then, Deck lacks the route running to be a serious candidate afterall. The other option is to trade two second round picks for a receiver. But does that make sense after how the Merchantmen sent away Collins, Vargas and Marshall, who all could have solved the issue the Merchantmen have this season?

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Sign Ex-Paris Player And More News
After the Merchantmen traded away Scot Dick to the Paris Musketeers and Ian Degrange to the Outer Banks Ospreys, the Merchantmen were clearly shopping for a fourth defensive end. With the signing of Duane Shank, the void seems to be filled. Shank was released recently by the Paris Musketeers and signed a one-year contract. With that, it means the Merchantmen traded their backup end to Paris and signed their backup as a freee agent, smart move.

"We like the kid a lot. Shank should be another prospect for the pass rush. He's clearly not as good as Scot Dick, yet, but with us he will get the time to grow." Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude is clearly pleased: "With Bycroft, Gougeon, Bernardo and Shank, we've got a nice quartet. Bycroft isn't a big pass rusher, but he can play tackle as well."

The Merchantmen still seem poised to draft a defensive end, to have at least 5 ends go into training camp and to be able to send 9 defensive linemen into pre-season. The Merchantmen also showed interest in journeyman Thomas Kisner, who played with the Asheville Axemen in 2004 and 2005. "With Shank signed, we might drop the interest in him. This was a simple, first guy to sign will make it issue." General manager M.IJ.B. doesn't make a secret of it. "Kisner looks good, but Shank signed and with the option to draft another pass rusher, we don't need him anymore."

In other news, the Merchantmen lost the bidding war on defensive tackle Julius Caine. The 30-year old preferred the Minnesota Miners over Maassluis, mainly based on bonus money. Caine could have bolstered the tackle position to backup Charles Gomez, Andy Weliczka and teach the last and Stanley Jacke the tricks of tackling. In Minnesota, Caine gets a shot to start, which could have been crucial.

The Merchantmen also surprizingly withdrew their offer on wide receiver Ruben Deck. After being the front runner to sign him, they stepped out and Deck signed with his old team, the Anaheim Matterhorns for far less money. Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. said "Deck got his opportunity, we offered him a million dollars in bonus money, but Deck didn't take it early, too bad for him." The Merchantmen saw the competition and stepped out, despite having arguably the best offer.

The last move, to not sign Deck, clearly points to the Merchantmen trying to draft a wide receiver. That is despite that the Merchantmen management doesn't like most of the players. General manager M.IJ.B.: "It's an option. We are also finding options to maybe trade back into the draft in the second or third round to pick a guy there, but it's not clear cut it will be a wide receiver."

The Merchantmen management did give away clues on which positions will be pursued in the draft. M.IJ.B.: "Full back, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, punter, kicker, defensive line, linebacker and defensive back. And if we get lucky, me might draft a stud quarterback or tight end." It's clearly all wide open. Plus, with 58 players signed after getting Shank and including the likely injured reserve status for Richard Muller, the team clearly has only 3 spots ready for the pre-season. It means they will have to dump at least 4 players or picks by the start of pre-season. M.IJ.B. smiled: "Wait and see." Then that's what we'll do. Wait and see.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Okay people, the draft is on and I have to see it's been wild so far. We're at the 2.15 pick right now and I've currently got the 2.26 and one guy I really want.
No big update yet, but once I've got the 2.26 pick covered or get my guy, I'll be posting a big draft day review of how I wheeled and dealed.

Only thing I say right now is that I think we took care of our biggest need this draft by picking a wide receiver. I see you thinking, you thought I said we only had 5th rounders. Well, the Merchantmen are never done trading. Stay tuned, I'll be updating soon.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Top 48 picks Of 2007 Draft
Draft day is here, the good times began.
Going into the draft, our draft situation was:
5 (2), 5 (3), 5 (4), 5 (5), 5 (6), 5 (7) & 5 (8).

With the recent inability to get a wide receiver in free agency, I decided to go for a wide receiver in this draft. The top four guys would be Jonathan Adams, Travis Joseph, Cris Lyons and Jerry Berry. I ranked Adams as low 1st rounder, Joseph and Lyons as mid 2nd, Berry as late 2nd. Adams looked great, but out of trade up reach, Joseph and Lyons were awesome too and Berry ranked #1 on our draft board to get in he would drop to the fifth.

My other need (a luxury) would be to get an all-round defensive tackle. We tried to trade for a two-time All IHOF selection guy, Barton Garcia, but never reached an agreement. That ment we looked at the draft and saw only one guy who would be on my want list: Shaun Shiroma. I ranked Shiroma as a late 2nd rounder. He ranked #2 on our draft board to get in the 5th round if he would drop.

The draft started and with the recent value to wide receivers, I figured my ranks of receivers were off by about half a round. After the top receiver went off the board, I got nervous and started talking with three teams to get a 2nd round pick in the 1-10 region, to get WR Berry there. Simultaneously, I tried to get a low 2nd rounder to get DT Shiroma there.

I tried to get the 1.29 from Chesapeake, no luck. I tried to get the 2.11 and/or 2.31 from Chesapeake, but ask&demand was far from each other. Trade talks to get the 2.32 from Conyers broke off twice. Outer Banks bumped in to offer picks. We talked, no, sent counter offers about 10 times to finally agree to give me the 2.18 and 2.26 picks, while giving future 2nd rounders and the 5.7 and 5.8 picks.

Next step was to get a low 1st. I offered to 1.26 Boulder the 2.18 and more, but eventually they picked. I also made an offer to 1.29 from Chesapeake, again, but in stead they picked WR Joseph and I didn't get him. Then, 1.31 was up, being Georgia. After a few rounds of talking, we got a good deal that made me trade up from 2.18 to 1.31.

I was torn between WR Lyons and WR Berry. Berry fits chemistry and is a better big-play guy, what we need, but Lyons added kick returning skills and endurance. I picked Lyons in the end, but that wasn't the end of the story. To save our relations with the Brooklyn management, we talked them into trading up to get WR Berry at 2.3 (they succeeded) and we traded Berry for Lyons. (The IHOF allows the trade of draft picks rights as long as the draft isn't over yet.)

Mission 1: get Jerry Beyer, accomplished.

Mission 2: Get Shaun Shiroma. This was a tough one. We talked with Outer Banks, again, to get the 2.7, but failed. Then, we let the draft run and see who was left at 2.15. Asheville was on the clock and Shiroma was the best graded defensive tackle left. I decided it was time to move up again and I started talks with San Luis Obispo (2.17) and Tucker (2.16), ironically two picks I traded away this off-season. In the end, San Luis Obispo declined, yet Tucker was willing and we made it dependant on the 2.15 pick. Asheville took a CB and we traded 2.16 for 2.26 with us giving up a 2009 2nd round pick for a 4th rounder. Yes, that's expensive, but we got the guy we wanted.

So, what's next? We got the wide receiver and defensive tackle we wanted. Beyer should rotate with the older injury prone starters Monti and Ewald, while Shiroma should be taking Andy Weliczka's role next to Gomez. Beyer will also become our #1 or #2 punt return specialist, so that might mean our touchdown scoring punt returner Matt Offord is out of work in Maassluis soon. Or we will trade Emmanuel Jennings away after getting him this off-season.

No names for the fifth round yet, but it should be obvious that we re-write the plan immediately. We still have the 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 picks. Our list of names will be different, though. A few guys would really be able to help us immediately, I think. Wish us luck to get a few gems in the fifth round!

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Just a little tidbit to mention: I won't give away team names, but I've gotten offers for the rights of Lyons (even after trading for the rights to Beyer) and the rights to Shiroma. In total, they cost me about a mid 1st rounder of value each, so it's unlikely to happen.

Also, I offered all the fifth rounders in this draft to the teams with the least players on roster. They all politely declinded. Not that I care, I can use the picks and possible players, but I think they turned down a chance to get cheap rookies for a value below the open market, which is where they will be filling out their rosters. It's good to know that every team has a different philosophy.

Oh, by the way, here are my future draft situations:
2008, 9 picks: 9 5th rounders
2009, 10 picks: 3 2nd rounders, 4 4th rounders and 3 5th rounders

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen And Fightin' Bums Write History
The football world is nailed to their keyboards and monitors, as the IHOF is entertaining it's third annual amateur draft. The 2007 edition started with the Conyers Condors to pick an awesome one-two in running back Randy Reagor and quarterback Chris Donaldson. The Condors' couple became something new, but two other teams also made a lopside move. Or maybe it was three, the role of the third team will maybe never be revealed.

The story started with a trade between the Maassluis Merchantmen and the Outer Banks Ospreys. The Merchantmen all of a sudden came out of nowhere, while faking to stick with a freaky number of seven consecutive fifth round picks. Bam, there they were, back in the second round at 2.18 and 2.26 overall. Nothing big so far, until the first round was about to end. Georgia Gridlock on the clock, a bit of a delay. Boom, trade. Merchantmen back at it, grade wide receiver Cris Lyons. A couple of teams didn't see it coming and were stunned.

The draft continues a bit and then, out of nowhere, the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums trade into 2.3. Well, not completely out of the dark, they had the 2.10, but the Outer Banks Ospreys looked not ready to make that 2.3 count anyway. The Bums announce their player: wide receiver Jerry Beyer. Not a bad pick.

Then more like a sniper than the other trades, Brooklyn and Maassluis trade the rights to their wide receivers and Maassluis gets a fifth for a sixth rounder as compensation. The news was so unexpected that it snowed in and got ignored almost completely. One team even rang the Merchantmen to trade for Lyons, only to be stumped that the right to Lyons were already traded to the Fightin' Bums.

But now the big question arises, how did the players take it? Well, it was simple, in a way. Lyons knew about the interest from Brooklyn, but was anxious that the Bums did want to use the 1.10 on him. Then, they tried to trade into the first round to make a second round material receiver a first rounder. Their attempts failed, yet the Merchantmen mastered to do the unprecitable and pick Lyons in stead. Lyons stumped, the Bums disappointed.

What happened next was another shocker, the Bums and Merchantmen managements grabbed the phones and agreed on a deal to make Lyons go to Brooklyn and as a first round pick, while the Merchantmen would get Jerry Beyer in the second. The Bums didn't hesistate and picked up the pick on the clock to make the trade go through.

End good all good? Well not at all, Jerry Beyer already got himself a nickname before arriving in Maassluis. The general manager accidentaly called him Jelly Belly. Beyer wasn't too amused, until the Merchantmen picked their next player. Shaun Shiroma did other managements ring the bell of a 1979 song "My Sharona". As young as Beyer is, he missed the reference, but Shiroma heard it more often and wasn't happy about it either. Shiroma "If the Merchantmen people play that song everytime I make a big play, it's fine with me. The Kansas fans loved it."

[Kodos]

If the Merchantmen people play that song everytime I make a big play, it's fine with me. The Kansas fans loved it."

But I'd like to hear "My Sharona" at least once in a while.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

If the Merchantmen people play that song everytime I make a big play, it's fine with me. The Kansas fans loved it."

But I'd like to hear "My Sharona" at least once in a while.

I try to catch the song soon and Shiroma's playing time will be based on how much I like the song. Rumors are that Andy Weliczka has created an ugly remix, I have no idea why.

[Alf]

As long as it is not "Trance" !

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Alf

As long as it is not "Trance" !

Trance is hot in the NLs. :P

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Add More New Players
On the second day of the IHOF Draft 2007, the Maassluis Merchantmen presented the names of 7 new players to the organization. Five of them were selected rookies, two of them free agent signings. Guard Alphonse Gale comes over as a free agent as does safety Darnell Majors was the other free agent signing. Through the draft, the Merchantmen picked running back Tyrell Mahoney, fullback Henry Poston, tackle Norman Holliday, cornerback Gene Sampson and kicker Alvin Ladner. The five rookies were selected with the second through sixth overall picks in the fifth round.

Alphonse Gale is a classic example of a guy who packs his bag every off-season to head for a new team. Gale started 16 games for the San Luis Obispo Burn in 2004. Next he was a full time starter with the Orlando Knights in 2005. In 2006, the Chesapeake Chitterlings picked Gale up and let him play in 4 games, with 3 starts. The move to Maassluis might make him one of few players to have played for four different teams in the IHOF. Gale will battle with about seven others for the five backup roster spot on the offensive line.

Darnell Majors has no big history in the IHOF yet. In his rookie season eh saw action in one IHOF game as he played some downs for the Telluride Outlaws in a 24-27 loss at the San Antonio Volunteers. Majors is a man to man defense stand out and is expected to battle for the five backup spot in the secondary.

Tyrell Mahoney played college football at Vanderbilt. At the scoutong combine he recorded a decent 40-yard time at 4.66 seconds. The Merchantmen scouting staff reports that Mahoney could be a good receiver and make plays as a runner with his breakaway speed and hole recognition. The management says they also like Mahoney's level of developement and with his endurance and ability to hold on to the ball, he has a shot at making the 53-men roster.

Henry Poston spent his education at Kansas State. The Merchantmen scouting staff reports that Poston should be a very good receiver type back, while his hole recognition, ability to not fumble and run blocking skills should give him a very good chance to make the final 53-men roster.

Norman Holliday has his football base taught by the coaches of Missouri. The 6'9" 323 lbs big guy had a good combine and was reported to be a pass block specialist, who can do run blocking too, if needed. The management knows that Holliday doesn't come in pro football shape, but he'll be given time to grow into a future role, perhaps even as a starter opposite left tackle Ivan Jacques. Holliday is expected to sit out the 2007 season on the inactive roster. That is if the fourth new tackle to the roster even makes the 53-men roster.

Gene Sampson has his football roots with the Stanford. The Merchantmen management is a bit worried about his Solecismic Test score at the scouting combine, but his 40-yard time of 4.49 seconds proves the 5'7" 177 lbs. body is a speedy one. The scouting staff reports that Sampson knows some basics on both man to man coverage and zone defense, while he could also support the run defense and make plays on special teams. He should have a shot at making the 53-men roster, even in a backup role if he get lucky.

Alvin Ladner kicked balls for Emporia State. Ladner is reported to be ready for the pro game and the management likes that he can do both the points kicking duties and the kickoff duties. Ladner had a high Solecismic Test score and showed he was the strongest of all kickers. The management hopes to see Ladner do well in training camp and threaten the jobs of all time leading Merchantmen scorer Cary Coles (points kicker) and second year player Al Bettis (kickoff kicker).

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Mahoney, Poston, Holliday, Sampson and Ladner.
Five more rookies were added to the class and, boy, do I like these guys. All will make the training camp and pre-season battle interesting and we could use that.

We could use a few more bodies for the battles and to get at least one decent rookie, we traded two 2008 fifth round picks to the Conyers Condors and Bordeaux Vineyards each (we had nine anyway) to get the 6.4 and 6.5 picks with the 6.3 being on the clock.

Of the five fifth round picks, Poston looks safe to take the job from Greg Berk. Mahoney will battle with Rubio and Montoya for the #3 and #4 roles, but he might surprise us with a #2 role. Holliday will join an already overcrowed OL group with 3 centers, 5 guards and with him 5 tackles. Sampson has 6 corners and 5 healthy signed safeties to compete with, Ladner will join 2 kickers for perhaps only 1 roster spot. And what about the 6.4 and 6.5 picks? Well, they will make the battle even stronger, we might even draft a fourth center or a seventh wide receiver...

Nine incoming rookies is a new Merchantmen record. The old top figure was set in 2005 with six rookies and tied in 2006 with again six picks. Why? Well, mainly because the 2007 draft class has been rated far higher than the 2005 and 2006 classed were. We just had to take advantage.

Time to head over for other things now, wish us luck to get the two guys we want with the 6.4 and 6.5 picks.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by Kodos

But I'd like to hear "My Sharona" at least once in a while.

That bass line would sound awesome through the stadium sound system during player introductions.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

That bass line would sound awesome through the stadium sound system during player introductions.

Wow, I'm getting more and more interrested by the song. I need to find a .mp3 somewhere...

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Bolster Defensive Line In Sixth Round
The Maassluis Merchantmen today announced players 68 and 69 for their training camp roster. With the fourth and fifth overall selections in the 2007 IHOF Draft, the Merchantmen selected defensive linemen Aaron Sherrill and Andrew Rasmussen. Both will need a good training camp to be able to surive the 60-men roster cut day going into pre-season.

Aaron Sherrill played college ball with Virginia. The tall defensive end, measured at 6'4" at the scouting combine, was called a nice looking rookie by the scouting staff. Merchantmen lead scout Gabe Avila called Sherrill the 2007 steal at the position. Sherrill is said to have a very good pass rush technique, was rated as a good run stopper and will also have the endurance to play in the Merchantmen rotation system. Albert Bernardo, the veteran at defensive end should be happy to have Sherrill and 2006 draft steal Omar Gougeon rotating on the other end.

Andrew Rasmussen spent his education at Tennessee. The 5'11" defensive tackle is relatively undeveloped, but the Merchantmen scouting praised Rasmussen. He could be an excellent pass rusher and has enough skills to stop the run and play all day. Rasmussen joins a young group of players as Shaun Shiroma was drafted sixteenth overall in the second round and Andy Weliczka was a steal at the top of the seventh round in 2006. Being the best tackle in the IHOF, Charles Gomez should be able to teach the young guys a thing or two.

[3ric]

Ah, Aaron "Jackie" Sherill. You've got to make that nickname official to tease HFP.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by 3ric

Ah, Aaron "Jackie" Sherill. You've got to make that nickname official to tease HFP.

Not another nickname, I thought that having Fumblin Justin' around was enough already (Bubba Gump and Deranged Degrange were names I inherited through signing the players)...

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Trade Back Into Draft Again
It's in theire name, but the numbers game seemed to speak against them. The Maassluis Merchantmen were done drafting before in this draft, not once, but twice already. But apparantly they have another prospect they like as they sacrifices another 2008 fifth round pick, this time to get the 7.11 pick overall to select linebacker Terrance Norris.

"If we can get a guy who we think is worth a fifth round pick by that time, why note use it?" Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. defends their move: "We didn't like our chances to get the guy as a free agent and now we invest something that makes releasing him even tougher." Whomever the Merchantmen will take, just like the sixth round defensive linemen, the player should be honored by the move. The Merchantmen are mortgaging for what is usually seen as a ticket to being released after the pre-season.

But then, the Merchantmen are going to have some tough decission to make, with this seventh round pick, the training camp roster will reach the figure of 70. Seventy! Sure, they had that figure before, but with ten rookies, about 45 players from the 2006 roster and the unlikely release of new acquisitions tight end Arnold Ramirez, guards Brian Hammond and Alphonse Gale, tackles Ivan Jacques, Cornelius Rice and Darrin Olive and cornerbacks Danny Person and Carlos Mitchem.

But let's not draw early conclusions, there can happen a lot in the weeks going into training camp. The Merchantmen have released a list of potential post-training camp casualties and it's getting ugly for a few familiar names in Merchantmen land. number three receivers David Henkel, punt return specialist Matt Offord, zone defense interceptors Myron Stevens and Lamar Stevens, the always inactive hot prospect Stanley Jacke and even Bubba "Gump" Kearney are listed.

But most notable is the Merchantmen's all-time leading scorer, kicker Cary Coles. Coles already saw Al Bettis join the team last season, but "Big Al" only won the kickoff duties. But in the 2007 draft, Alvin Ladner was picked at number six in the fifth round and the early expectations are that Ladner will win the place-kicker duties. Ladner might even win kickoff duties and save the Merchantmen a roster spot by letting both Coles and Bettis go.

What ever will happen, the Merchantmen are pleased with Norris. The North Texas graduate was picked for his run defense potential, his hard hitting, his endurance and his abilty to defend man to man. "Norris was a special teams standout in college, but coming of a smaller school, nobody noticed," Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said. Norris is expected to challenge long-time starter Mike Kershner for the weakside linebacker role.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes
Oh goody, today is the day, the rookies are required to report to their new teams.

We'll be seeing 10 rookies this year and, to be honest, I can't complain yet. RB Tyrell Mahoney, FB Harold Poston, WR Jerry Beyer, OT Norman Holliday, K Alvin Ladner, DE Aaron Sherrill, DT Andrew Rasmussen, DT Shaun Shiroma, LB Terrance Norris and CB Gene Sampson.

Our scouting staff ranks all 10 rookies in the the 53 of players on roster. Ladner, Mahonye, Poton, Norris and Shiroma rank in the top 53 of the players in experience. Beyer, Sherrill and Sampson will have a shot at making it too to the top 53. Rasmussen and Holliday are project for the future.

70 players, broken down by position that is:
4 quarterbacks, we might drop to 3 for the 53-men cut
5 running backs, we will drop to 4 at the 53-men cut
3 fullbacks, we will drop to 2 for the 60-men cut
4 tight ends, we will drop to 3 for the 60-men cut
7 wide receivers, we will drop to 6 for the 60-men cut and might drop to 5 for the 53-men cut
3 centers, we might drop to 2 for the 60-men cut, we will drop to 2 for the 53-men cut
5 guards, we will drop to 4 for the 60-men cut
5 tackles, we might drop to 4 at the 53-men cut
3 kickers, we will drop to 2 at he 53-men cut, we might even drop to 1
1 punter, no cuts
5 defensive ends, we will drop to 4 at the 53-men cut
6 defensive tackles, we will drop to 5 at the 60-men cut, might drop to 4 at the 53-men cut
2 inside lienbackers, none will go
4 outside linebackers, we might drop to 3 at the 53-men cut
7 cornerbacks, we will drop to 6 at the 60-men cut and to 5 at the 53-men cut
6 safeties, we will put 1 on injured reserve and might drop to 4 at the 60-men cut, will be at 4 at the 53-men cut

We've listed the 9 names who are the early 'favorites' to be out of a job after training camp: FB Greg Berk, TE Craig Burley, WR David Henkel, C Ernie Taylor, G Eric Dietrich, DT Johnny Meadows, DT Stanley Jacke, CB Myron Stevens and SS Lamar Singleton. The 10th casualty will be FS Richard Muller, who will be placed on injured reserve as he's still not fully recovered from repetetive concussion syndrome. It's time to shop the nine others around a bit.

[Alf]

Matthijs, you already tried to sell me FB Berk, C Taylor and G Dietrich :roll:

[Alf]

dola : aren't you a bit thin at LB ?

[MIJB#19]

Journeyman Carl Meier Threatening Cody Cluff's Role
The first season of the IHOF was just over and the Maassluis Merchantmen had recorded the league's worst record. The team had won only one of sixteen games and were concidered one of the jokes of the league. The good sign on the team was a young linebacker named Cody Cluff. Cluff recorded 99 tackles and one interception to make himself heard. On top of that, Cluff received the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and his future was looking bright.

In the 2005 season, Cluff seemed to struggle a bit in the learning proces. Still, the Merchantmen roster made a big leap forward to a 7-9 record and Cluff had again a key role on the defense. With 90 tackles and an amazing interception return for a score, Cluff was once again one of the better defensive players. But working in the shadows of first round pick cornerback Tai Wayne and the defensive linemen Harold Wells and Charles Gomez, who earned All IHOF second team honors, Cluff was just one of the guys.

As the 2006 was about to start, the Merchantmen made an impulsive move and acquired linebacker Carl Meier in a trade from the Boston Rhinos. Meier was not old at the age of 27, but looked lost in Boston. Meier emerged as the new leader of the defensive front seven, yet Cluff remained as the starting middle linebacker. With a big season, Cluff recorded a franchise record 120 tackles, the job looked securer than ever.

At the early rise of the 2007 off-season, Carl Meier decided to work out and as the year was advancing, the Merchantmen staff reported that Meier had made good progress and might be better than ever expected. And now, with training camp about to start, the Merchantmen are about to have a big decission to make as Meier has worked out hard enough to be equal, if not better than Cluff.

The two can get along well, but it will be unlikely that the Merchantmen will change to a 3-4 defense to get them both to work out. The team drafted two defensive tackles, of which one went in the second round. And with the All world Charles Gomez still around, no way the Merchantmen will change their defense around. Reportedly, the Merchantmen even tried to trade Meier during the draft to get the drafted defensive tackle Shaun Shiroma higher in the second round than he eventually went.

So far things are going well. With Ellsworth Thelen and Mike Kershner having their issues, Carl Meier could be made the premier backup all over the linebackers group. The veteran of the group, Josh Weisberg, and seventh round pick Terrence Norris will be having difficulties to get playing time then, but Meier is too good to not give him a shot. And with defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks being a linebackers expert, the eyes will be on the men playing behind Charles Gomez in 2007.

The usual way the Merchantmen solve their roster problems is trading, but Meier's stock went up and he's not going out for cheap. In retrospect, the move they made to get Meier was not so bad afterall. For the Merchantmen he originally was a means to trade up from #30 and #28 to #23 overall in the 2006 draft, but Meier has gotten the level of a low first round player and it looks like the Merchantmen received a third rounder for a sixth rounder in that trade.

It his second season in Maassluis and the expectations are that Meier won't settle for a small role. He's reported to have improved soo much and the other defensive players walk away with him. Rookie linebacker Terrence Norris even said that Meier is one of the reasons he wanted to be drafted by the Merchantmen. And yet, it will be tough to find a starting role for all the linebackers. Carl Meier might become the best backup in the IHOF and be lucky enough to be on one of the weakest teams in talent. Don't be surprised if next season by this time either Meier of Cluff has been traded.