I support a BJ Ryan "Closer" role because the role itself upgrades an average bullpen arm with pomp;
Gregg and Ryan were talented enough to be the fourth or fifth most talented reliever on their respective team. But if that's not mop-up work, then it means that those guys come in when the starter goes out, but those are often the most critical cirucumstances.
The heart of the batting order with RISP in the 7th isn't the most intense cirumstance for the bullpen. It's the most important, I agree with JayP there, but the team is on their heels and the crowd is tense. That is the time for a team to use it's best reliever (Downs).
The 9th inning has music blaring and an emotional crowd and the umpire wound-up.
The best example is Papelbon - super emotive pitcher on a veteran team with a wily fanbase. Home field advantage (via referreeing) is statistically supported and that is exactly the scenario - umpires are sucked into punching a guy on out to "reward" the crowd. It's not that they want Boston to win, it's just human nature to want people to cheer rather than boo you personally.
Paplebon had the stuff to make it regardless, but after Ryan had 39 saves after his surgery with an 88 MPH fastball and a slider - he would've been murdered as a clutch reliever. But if he is inserted into a less crucial role and (maybe) intimidates because of the role, his tangible skill-set is improved.
I don't think Frasor will ever be a closer because he's not imposing enough. Rauch, on the other hand, ties right into the achetype of "final boss."
And the value works on both sides, the diminutive Frasor is the assasin that strikes when things are at their worst with a fastball for a dager.
Maybe that is a construct of mine, I'm ok with that.
As for JayP's argument about saves in the 70s - welcome to free agency. Relief pitchers want prestige and money, GMs want talent and justify their contracts with key stats.
And players absoutely want "roles" - want to plan their day and their focus around a specific starting time.
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