He started game 3 and pitched 8 innings of shutout ball. He would've pitched again, but the series didn't get that far.
I think you are thinking about 2004 when he was injured and didn't pitch in the WS. I think they lost that year, but don't remember.
They won because they had a rotation featuring Carpenter and Wainright, two guys which were arguably "aces."
You are making my point for me by bringing up the Cardinals. They won because of their frontline starters.
The starters have done well, but they don't have the frontline guys to match up against Detroit. Boston's staff is deep, but to win in the postseason it needs to be top heavy. Without Buchholz, this team has no chance in the playoffs.
Remember when everyone was amazed at how honest Palmeiro was in front of Congress? Sports writers and fans always want to believe in their "heroes." Laughable.