Mets, Nationals Writers Talk Pedro Feliciano, Justin Maxwell

Over the last couple of days I have reached out to many writers from other SB Nation websites. The goal was to get as much information on the new Yankees acquisitions as possible. I know we are planning to preview these Yankees, but it is always good to get as much information as possible.

That being said, I posed two questions to the writers. 1. Feliciano/Maxwell's strengths and weaknesses, and 2. How do you think Feliciano/Maxwell will play for the Yankees, here is what the writers from Amazin Avenue and Federal Baseball had to say about Pedro Feliciano and Justin Maxwell:

Eric Simon: There are two things about Pedro Feliciano of which you can be utterly certain: that he is able and willing to pitch every day, and that he can really only get left-handed batters out. If you-and by "you" I really mean "Joe Girardi"-can keep those two things in mind, then Feliciano will be a tremendous asset for the Yankees. He can make 80-plus appearances in his sleep and he should dominate lefties as he always has.

Carl Crawford, David Ortiz, Johnny Damon: these guys will have a really tough time with Feliciano. The trouble is that in order to get to a Crawford or a Damon you often have to face a Kevin YoukilisManny Ramirez, good hitters who mash left-handed pitching. More often than not, Feliciano will simply pitch around these guys - he walks far more righties than lefties - but when he doesn't, as often as not he'll pay the price.

Patrick Reddington: 1. Maxwell strengths/weaknesses?

The reason Justin Maxwell's no longer a National is that he was never able to get it together at the plate (or get on base) at the major league level as his .201/.319/.379 career slash in 122 games and 260 PA's as a Nat makes clear. Maxwell had a great chance to finally claim a starting spot last Spring when the Nats cut Elijah Dukes, but an awful Spring Training led to another year of scattered plate appearance in which he struggled to make contact at the plate, though he hit well and got on base with the Nats' Triple-A affiliate (.287/.390/.439). As he said in some post-trade interviews, however, he never got a sustained stretch to prove himself in Washington, he was constantly up and down and untimely injuries hurt him repeatedly. He's a quick outfielder, strong defender, with an average arm, but it was his offense or lack thereof that killed him.

2. How do you think Maxwell will play for the Yankees?

I'd be really surprised if he found a spot in the Yankees' outfield, though as a fan of the late Montreal Expos, it wouldn't surprise me to see him in the postseason in Yankee Stadium helping the Yankees. He's coming off Tommy John Surgery, on his left (non-throwing elbow) but has said he'll be a 100% by the time ST starts. Hope he is or he'll miss another great opportunity.

There you have it. I really hope Girardi uses Feliciano right, and I hope Maxwell proves he is ready for the challenge!

Thanks again to the writers! Tomorrow will be the writers from True Blue LA about Russell Martin.