imo you can't ignore how the majority of players the Sox acquire at deadlines and during the offseason end up coming here and performing well below their career numbers, it's been an issue for years and I'd chalk it up to the atmosphere and environment that is fostered, they aren't nearly as effective at creating a winning atmosphere like more professional clubs do (like STL, TB, BOS, even post scandal HOU).
I would love to talk to guys like Melky Cabrera and ask him what was different about the Sox (training staff, coaching, preparation techniques, etc) compared to NYY
Maybe I'm way overthinking this but it just seems that way, guys come here and more often than not we are left scratching our heads about why they suck once the uniform changes