So he's now 8-2, 2.08 in the postseason as a Power Pitcher and 1-0, 0.00 in the postseason as a Finesse Pitcher.
Daisuke Matsuzaka's maddeningly inconclusive start reopens the debate. Who should start Game 2 of the ALCS? After what we've seen, it's hard to imagine it not being Schilling. That would put Daisuke in line to start a potential Game 7, but after what happened to Lou Piniella, I doubt that managers will be worrying about Game 7s before Games 1, 2, and 3.
The bullpen is in good shape. It's pretty clear that Hideki Okajima will be the man in the eighth inning, not Eric Gagné. When they hand you the ball to close out the 9-0 game, you should get the message. Win a few, lose a few, you know? As for Jonathan Papelbon, looks like people knew what they were doing. He's the freshest closer in the derby.
Tim Wakefield should be another weapon for the ALCS, which means that the only thing Terry Francona might have wished for that he doesn't have is Clay Buchholz. Believe me, the brass wanted very much to find a spot for a kid with, as Theo Epstein puts it, "swing-and-miss stuff."
So if not having access to a 23-year-old kid with 22 2/3 innings of big league experience is your only unanswered druther, you're in pretty good shape.
The Red Sox are ready. I'm not saying they're the best team. I don't know who is. That's what we're all curious to find out.
What we do know is that if the Indians outplay them, well, they'll just have to shake hands and go home. They are living the Dream Scenario. The Boston Red Sox are playing their best when it matters most. If they don't win, there will be no excuses.
Bob Ryan is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at ryan@globe.com.