The Red Wings returned to Rochester Sunday after what they call a productive off season.

"It was a very laid back spring training," said Pitcher Tyler Duffey. "I think for that reason a lot of guys are coming into the season a lot more energized. We got to sleep in a lot more, the work we did was more quality than quantity and I think it paid off."

But Sunday's snow wasn't exactly a warm welcome back to Western New York.

"It is cold but I would rather pitch in this weather than hit," said Pitcher Jake Reed. It's a good league to pitch in, a great stadium to pitch at in Rochester."

This year, the International League is set to use the same balls as the bigs.

"The Major League baseball seems to jump off the bat a bit better," said Pitching Coach Stu Cliburn. "You know, that's not too good for a pitching coach but our guys welcome a challenge."

The Wings start their season on the road at Lehigh Valley on Thursday and will make their Rochester debut the following week.