Trade whispers intensify

Look who went 1-for-2 with two RBIs in the spring training opener yesterday.

More important, look who’s starting again today.

Yes, it’s serial tease Desmond Jennings, who hadn’t played since his impressive but injury-shortened, 10-game return from injury last August.

Rays beat reporter Steve Carney, of WDAE-AM 620, made the wise speculation yesterday that Jennings is being showcased by the Rays in hopes of seeing who might come calling for the 29-year-old outfielder. Carney said Jennings isn’t necessarily on the trading block now, but all this early action is designed to show teams Jennings is healthy and eager.

The Rays are on the hook for $3.3 million with Jennings in 2016. With all the outfielders in the Rays’ stable, Joe almost typed that Jennings is a luxury. But he’s just not good enough for that kind of description.