They call Panico "The Scorpion", and from what I've seen/heard she is an excellent finisher, but does not create all that much on her own. It'll be interesting to see whether she can still bring it at the highest level, at age 35.
SBFC has signed Kendall Fletcher (per the GM's twitter). A good signing for SBFC, even though the midfield is a tad crowded. I thought she was the best holding mid outside of Shannon Boxx last season. And she did well as a cb for Athletica this season before their demise. Will be interesting to see how/if she gets on the field.
According to the WPS transactions list, Fletcher signed as a developmental. Are there any limitations as to who can sign as developmental? I guess I'm taking the term too literally. Fletcher definitely doesn't fit my perception of developmental.
The WPS rules are: The Player Roster shall be composed of 18 fully-contracted players and up to 4 developmental players. Nothing describes the development players. Now, is this the best deal Kendall could get? or it is temporary until the team makes roster moves needed in order to move her up to full roster, Or does her contract looks like and quacks like a regular contract but they call it development for what ever reason. The SB roster has 23 players listed including Luckenbill, who is leaving before the end of the season for school, but excluding Patrizia Panico. Gerry should update us on who is considered regular roster and who is development.
That may be the only position availble. Any injury and she could be put into the starting line-up. Last week at the CRS/ATL game when Spilger and Yamaguchi collided, and Spilger had to go in for stitches, Elise Weber came in and played the whole game even though they signed her as developmental but because Nikki Washington is still hurt they can promote Weber to the lineup for the game and even start her if they want. IMO, the Developmental thing is not what it's meant to be anymore due to the foldings and veterans instead of young players are now on the "developmental" list.
As I understand it, all "developmental" means is that you make a lot less money, can be signed to a regular contract by any other team at any time, and there are some limitations on when and how much you can play. For example, I don't think developmental goalkeepers can play unless there's some good reason the starting and backup keepers can't play. And field players can only play a certain number of minutes before they have to be upgraded to a full contract.