Aren't Boston fans and more so media well known for loving some and blinding others ? Some can deal with it and prosper. Others get sunburned quickly. Plenty of examples both ways. I'm sure all of us can contribute a few. For starters, try Carl Crawford as a loser, throw in Buchholz too as a sensitive guy, Adrian Gonzalez may fit as one who didn't like being in Boston.. On the plus side, Ortiz comes to mind. Bogey and now Devers are young guys who have made a mark all the way through World Series wins. Schilling rose to occasion , as did Tiant and Pedro.
Guys who matured in losing team , small market organization would be risk factors coming to the AL East.