Answer: closer

AnswerCrossword Clue
CLOSERDealmaking pro
CLOSERComparatively contiguous
CLOSERExpert dealmaker
CLOSERDeal finalizer
CLOSERContract-negotiating pro
CLOSERNinth-inning relief pitcher
CLOSEREffective salesman
CLOSERNinth-inning hurler, often
CLOSERNot so remote
CLOSERSales expert
CLOSERBottom-of-the-ninth pitcher
CLOSERChummier
CLOSERBeing nearer in space or time
CLOSERLast reliever called
CLOSERNinth-inning specialist
CLOSERMariano Rivera, for most of his career
CLOSER"Cuddle up a little ... . . . "
CLOSERMaster negotiator
closerone who closes (to make impassable)
closersecretive
closercompact
closerto reach an agreement
closerto become closed
closernear
closerto bring to an end
closerthe end
closerto shut or obstruct
closerin a close manner
closerintimate
closernearly equal
closerto bring together
closerlacking fresh air
CLOSERBottom-of-the-ninth pitcher, often
CLOSERBullpen ace
CLOSERMore friendly
CLOSERMore intimate
CLOSERThe Yankees' Mariano Rivera, e.g.
CLOSERDealmaker extraordinaire
CLOSERNinth-inning pitcher
CLOSERNinth inning specialist