Answer:

closer

Answer	Crossword Clue
CLOSER	Ninth-inning starter, often
CLOSER	Bullpen ace
CLOSER	More friendly

CLOSER	More intimate
CLOSER	The Yankees' Mariano Rivera, e.g.
CLOSER	Dealmaker extraordinaire
CLOSER	Ninth-inning pitcher
CLOSER	Ninth inning specialist
CLOSER	Mariano Rivera, notably
CLOSER	Deal maker
CLOSER	Dennis Eckersley, e.g.

CLOSER	Less distant
CLOSER	Snap or button
CLOSER	Effective salesperson
CLOSER	Sales specialist
CLOSER	Not as remote
CLOSER	Bottom-of-the-ninth pitcher, often
CLOSER	Relief pitcher who finishes the game
CLOSER	Star relief pitcher

CLOSER	Player with many saves
CLOSER	More intimate.
CLOSER	More humid.
CLOSER	Nearer.
CLOSER	More imminent.
CLOSER	More stingy.
CLOSER	Nearer
CLOSER	More stingy

CLOSER	Not so far apart
CLOSER	More miserly
CLOSER	Not so far away
CLOSER	More compact
CLOSER	"Cuddle up a little ... . . . "
CLOSER	Comparatively contiguous
CLOSER	Expert dealmaker
CLOSER	Deal finalizer

CLOSER	Contract-negotiating pro
CLOSER	Ninth-inning relief pitcher
CLOSER	Effective salesman
CLOSER	Ninth-inning hurler, often
CLOSER	Not so remote