Timlin's issue with RISP wouldn't be as big of a factor in a closer role as he'd be sent in to get three outs with the bases empty. You just wouldn't want to send him in for the third out in the eighth as well when the rest of the pen has already caved in.
Last night sent as strong a message about Foulke as we're likely to see. Heading into the ninth, you knew that the best case scenario was extra-innings. I didn't think for one second that the Sox'd hold that lead in the ninth, not even after the first out.
I wouldn't even lump Embree in with Foulke at this point. But neither are the answer.
