Joe heard a bunch of nonsense on sports radio Friday morning about how the Rays are peaking — bats especially — at just the right time with opening day near.

That’s just so damn stupid.

First, spring training baseball is nearly meaningless, outside of showcasing some players’ individual growth or health, or a guy winning a job. (Can you say James Loney 2016?)  It’s been that way for many, many decades. Second, there still was another nine days — and plenty of spring games — before the first real pitch April 3.

Right on cue, the Rays were clobbered by the Twins yesterday afternoon, losing 6-1, with Drew Smyly getting tagged for three bombs in six innings.

Smyly said it was a good outing to “humble” him for the regular season after a strong spring previously.

Are the Rays now reeling heading toward opening day? Of course not.

Spring ball is just not real baseball when a pitcher isn’t throwing an out pitch because he’s working on something else, or a hitter is trying to go the other way in a situation when he wouldn’t normally. There are many more examples.

Breathe easy. Opening day is almost here.