We’re No. … 24?

The Red Sox came into 2011 season as hyped as any team in recent memory.

But at 2-7, they’re free to start playing the underdog card.

Take this week’s ESPN Power Rankings. They have the Sox all the way down at 24th — quite a fall from seventh last time.

The Pirates, for reference, are 22nd.

(Boston’s payroll is about $161 million. Pittsburgh’s is $46 million.)