Heading into the top of the 9th, the Red Wings' offense did little. However, down 1-0, but with a runner on base, Chris Herrmann hit a two-run homer to give the Red Wings a 2-1 win in exhibition play. Cole DeVries threw two scoreless innings, and Carlos Gutierrez pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the save. The Red Wings had just five hits and, yes, Tsuyoshi Nishioka had one of them.

I'm very interested in Herrmann's progress at Triple-A. Will be one player to keep an eye on throughout the season.

I'm very interested in Herrmann's progress at Triple-A. Will be one player to keep an eye on throughout the season.

My assumption is that he'll spend half the season in New Britain, since he only spent 3 months there last year. Also, the two "losers" in the Butera/Towles/Rivera would presumably go to Rochester. That said, I think Herrmann is a legit prospect. He has some pop and takes a ton of walks.

Hicks and Herrmann at the top of the New Britain lineup should be interesting.