The Indians have optioned star prospects Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley to Columbus, but they have left an impression, at least on me.

These are the two key players in last year's CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee.

In spring training, LaPorta batted .361 with nine RBI and Brantley went 10-for-32 (.313) in 16 games, according to Indians.com.

Although it was spring training, I take some comfort these guys could be the real deal when they finally get the call to the Big Leagues.

It's just a matter of when, not if, that these two players will be a part of the team.

So at least for now, they didn't stink up Goodyear and have provided a ray of sunshine here in sometimes gloomy Northeast Ohio.

April 6 is the season opener at Texas!

-- John Arthur Hutchison