The expected happened March 12.

The Indians started trimming their roster and reassigned prospects Francisco Lindor and Tyler Naquin to minor-league camp. Some might say the Indians cut the duo. In this case, cut is the wrong term.

Neither Lindor nor Naquin were competing for a major-league job. They arrived to Arizona early to receive extra work, mingle with veterans, participate in games against established players and interact with Manager Terry Francona and his staff.

Both players posted respectable numbers. Lindor appeared in eight games and hit .267 in 15 at-bats. Naquin appeared in 13 games and hit .231 in 13 at-bats.

Lindor and Naquin will now rejoin their peers and position themselves for 2014. Triple-A Columbus is a possible starting point, although both players have limited Double-A experience.  Lindor, 20, appeared in 21 games at Akron, three more than Naquin, in 2013.

Will both, one or neither prospect begin the season in Columbus? Consider this the biggest question in minor-league camp.

-- Guy Cipriano | @newsheraldguy

A look at how some of the Indians' top prospects are performing through one week of Cactus League games:

Francisco Lindor (SS, Baseball American No. 1):  The 20-year-old Lindor is a year away from competing for a job out of spring training. But he's 2-for-8 with a homer. The more major-league at-bats this spring, the better for Lindor, who's defensively ready to play at the highest level. Expect all of his at-bats to be scrutinized next spring.

Trevor Bauer (RHP, BA No. 3):  His early spring numbers are shaky. Bauer has allowed two runs, two walks and two hits in three innings. He's involved in the crowded competition for the fifth-starter spot, so his spring numbers are important.

Tyler Naquin (CF, BA No. 4): A season where Naquin can establish himself as a potential major-league regular has started with him going 2-for-6 with a homer. He has more walks (four) than strikeouts (two), an encouraging sign for a 22-year-old who appears headed to Double-A Akron.

Carlos Moncrief (OF, BA No. 14): His pitching days are over, but Moncrief's push for a spot in Cleveland is becoming serious. He's 2-for-9, but he could stick in major-league camp longer than other prospects because he's conquered every level of the minors besides Triple-A.

Joe Wendle (2B, BA No. 17): One of the most underrated players in the system, Wendle had a game-winning hit March 4 against the Chicago White Sox. His 11 at-bats are tied for the most among the 31 position players who have batted this spring. He has two hits.

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-- Guy Cipriano | @newsherladguy