Baltimore, MD -
Starting the season 1 – 3 with close loses to Reading and Augusta is not what the Baltimore Mariners envisioned. Head Coach Chris Simpson believes that minor changes to the roster and moves on the coaching staff will get the team over the hump.

“We have great talent up and down our roster," stated Coach Simpson. "Defensively, we are beginning to see a great deal of cohesiveness. On the offensive side, and in our kicking game, we have struggled with achieving the consistency we need to win those close games.”

One of the primary changes comes at the Quarterback position. Mike Orihel, who started the season opener against Reading, has been given full reins of the offense and Shenandoah product Jonathan Hoffman has been slated in the back up position. With those changes, the Mariners have traded QB Dixie Wooten to the Carolina Speed for veteran kicker Bruce Rienecker to help shore up their kicking game. Rienecker is a former Arena 1 kicker who has shown great consistency over the years.

Starting Center Nick Romeo was lost for the season with a leg injury against the Columbus Lions in the Mariners home opener. NFL veteran, and Baltimore’s OL Coach, Marques Ogden stepped in to fill the need.

“I told Coach Simpson that I would do whatever it takes to help this team be successful," Ogden added. "I played against Augusta and felt like I did well in my first indoor game. I’ll come back this week and correct things I’ve learn from my first time out there.”

In addition, the Mariners have signed Eugene Goodman, from Liberty, at Running Back. Goodman has CFL experience and gained over 2200 all-purpose yards for the Columbus Lions last season. These changes, along with the recent acquisition of former Detroit Lion RB/WR Rafael Cooper will help improve the Mariners.

On the coaching staff, Mariners Defensive Coordinator Mike McDowell has moved from the field up into the coach’s box and Coach Simpson takes the field with the defensive unit. This moved proved fruitful in Baltimore’s effort against Augusta last week as they held the Colts to 81 yards of total offense.

Coach Simpson explained, “Coach Mac is the Defensive Coordinator. I believe this was a great move because of his knowledge of the game on both sides of the ball and he has better vision of the field from the box.”

Defensive Back Coach Jason Blackman was moved to the bench area and will be coordinating the Mariners Special Teams during the game.

“As a team, we are not far from breaking it loose on both sides of the ball," stated Coach Simpson. "Once we start taking care of the ball and fine tune our fundamentals, we’ll begin to see tremendous success. It all starts with our game against Mississippi. They are a solid team and we need to go out and prove that we can play with anyone in the AIFA.”

The Mariners host the 3 – 0 Mississippi Mudcats Saturday April 12 at 1st Mariners Arena and Royal Farms Field. Game time is 7:00 pm.

Having been to the practices since the changes were made, I can definitely see a difference in the team. Baltimore should have no problems keeping the game against the Mudcats competitive.

Is this the 'aifa's' first ever trade amongst teams?

Hmmm... not sure. I will have to get back to you on that.

so not that it's that big of a deal but is there no answer on this?

The answer is yes but not definitively. This appears to be the first time. But this comes from a few players and not from the league. I am not quite sure that trades need to be sanctioned by the league. I need to find out how that works. I could not find any info in the rule book about this.

Thanks Dave

The Lions need to trade for Eugene Goodman then. I thought he was going to stay in Canada!

who's he with?

last I heard he still is going to play in canada but was with and af2 team right now as a backup but I haven't been able to find out where

He's playing for Baltimore.