The Red Sox in the past haven't done so well in interleague play going 56-65 since 1997. However this club is beginning to turn it around. In 2003 the Sox went 11-7 and in 2004, the team is 4-2 so far against its NL rivals. This is great. While I don't think the NL West is the truest test, both the Padres and the Dodgers were tied for first place in that division at the start of the two series.

The team travels out west to face the Colorado Rockies tonight. This could be a lot of fun. Colorado is a wonderful place for hitters. The Red Sox offense should do extremely well in that thin air. Boston.com reports Ellis Burks has given the team advise on dealing with the high altitude. Burks had played five years for Colorado.

He didn't offer advise to the pitching staff, who may need most of the help. Derek Lowe is one guy who should not be affected. He pitches on Thursday. His sinker is ideal in this ball park. Opposing teams are 3.5 times more likely to hit a ground ball than a fly off of him.

It's a long way to Thursday. Bronson Arroyo will pitch tonight for the Sox. Arroyo and Curt Schilling, who goes Wednesday ankle permitting, may have some trouble. These two guys throw strikes and have the potential to give up the fly ball. That ball is sure to carry at Coors.

As I've stated Coors Field inflates all offensive numbers and as one might suspect the Rockies are benefiting. There is a lot of debate whether the numbers are indeed inflated. AllSports.com offers an article discussing what players are benefiting from the home field advantage. I definitely agree. I think the older power guys are prolonging their careers by coming to Coors. Jeromy Burnitz, 35, and Vinny Castilla, 37, are among the NL leaders in home runs and RBIs. Get more Coors Field facts at the Rockies' official Web site.

Baseball fans in Colorado have been waiting for this since tickets went on sale this winter. The Rocky Mountain News writes about the series.

The Denver Post's Woody Paige offers a commentary about the series in his article, "Revered, repulsive converge at Coors. I rarely agree with Mr. Paige, however, this time he is correct. The Rockies can't compete with Boston. Boston has the pitching and hitting needed to win two of three, which is all fans can ask.

Tonight's game will be the most challenging. Joe Kennedy will take the mound for the Rockies. The 25-year-old has shown a lot of promise. In fact, he leads his team with a 4.06 ERA - very good for a Colorado starter.

There are other bright spots for the Rockies. Aaron Miles, a rookie, is playing lights- out since returning from the minors. The Denver Post takes a look at the hot-hitting second baseman. Matt Holliday has also been a great replacement for the ailing Larry Walker. He has nine homers and 28 RBIS.

Even with those up-and-comers, the team just isn't making the cut. They are floundering in last place in the NL West. According to the Denver Post, management is looking to move some salaries. I don't expect the Sox to be interested in anything the Rockies are offering.

We may not need the offensive help now that Trot Nixon is set to return. The Hartford Courant updates Nixon's status. Welcome back, Trot. You've been missed.

There are still trade rumors however. ESPN.com's Peter Gammons speculates what it may take to acquire Carlos Beltran from Kansas City. There seems to be a lot of interest. The price seems a little steep however. Apparently the Royals are looking for a catcher-third baseman combination. Would you trade Kevin Youkilis and Kelly Shoppach for Beltran? I would seriously think about it.

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