Red Sox twice tried to obtain Todd Helton

By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff

DENVER — Tonight is Todd Helton’s last game at Coors Field before he heads into retirement after the season.

We are reminded of the two attempts Theo Epstein made to acquire Helton during his tenure as Red Sox general manager.

The first was in 2002 when Epstein tried to orchestrate a deal for Helton and Larry Walker that would have sent Manny Ramirez and other minor pieces to the Rockies. The deal never had enough traction.

Then in 2008, Epstein tried to trade Mike Lowell straight up for Helton, but that deal didn’t go, either.

Epstein always thought Helton would be a great hitter at Fenway Park, just as he was at Coors Field for 17 seasons.

The Rockies will have a ceremony in Helton’s honor before the game.