Photo: Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox

Now life without Big Papi begins. The Boston Red Sox did their best to ease fans into the post-David Ortiz era by trading for ace lefty Chris Sale in the off-season, who joins a stacked rotation featuring David Price and reigning American League Cy Young Award-winner Rick Porcello. With Ortiz gone, second baseman Dustin Pedroia (pictured) provides veteran leadership on the field and in the batter’s box as the Olde Towne Team opens its season at friendly Fenway Park April 3 at 2:05 p.m. against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by two more games on April 5 at 7:10 p.m. and April 6 at 1:35 p.m.