Thanks for putting Criswell in context. If Winck needed a long-man in the pen alongside him, who would you think best fits that role? I would have said Murphy, but now. . .
That's kind of the problem... they don't really have good long guys floating around, & without Giolito/Murphy it's why I think they're one pitcher short.
In terms of guys who can give you 4 or 5 innings & are at least plausible...
Fitts - Hasn't pitched above AA & they may not want to stunt his growth as a potential starter.
Walter - Kind of a lefty Criswell.
Grant Gambrell - Only pitched 2 games in AAA last year, but he's a starter & is 26. Haven't heard anything about him this Spring, but if he got a stuff bump from the new regime, he could be competent.
Wikelman - This would be the most fun option, but similar issues to Fitts in terms of not stunting him.
Brian Van Belle - He's probably just an org guy, but he's 27 & if got a stuff bump, he could be competent. Spent half the season in Worcester & struggled a lot... but his underlying #s weren't as bad.
That's why I think they're better off just using 1-2 inning guys & cycling through them because they have a lot of those, & at least 3 extra 40 man spots once they add Giolito, Hendiks & Murphy to the 60 Day IL.
The guys I mentioned before, plus Luis Guerrero, Cam Booser, Jorge Benitez, Luetge/Joely if they stick around, Melvin Adón, etc., plus more guys are going to be made available with roster churns.
Other guys like Penrod, Dobbins & Bastardo may be possibilities for a longer relief role later in the season, but wouldn't be ready now.