A lot of things conspired against the Sox in '19. The MLB didn't make it easy on them from the start -- sending Boston on an 13-game West coast road trip to open the season (including an overkill stop in Arizona for two more meaningless ST exhibitions with the Cubs). Not playing a single home game for basically the first two weeks of the year, after two months away from home, doesn't lend itself to much momentum.
Meanwhile, the Yankees got to play their first nine against the two worst teams in the majors, the O's and Tigers. Coincidence? You think the schedule makers in NY liked cocky Cora telling them to "Suck on it" at the parade?
You don't read quotes from players complaining about such contrasts, but fans on a forum? You bet.