Jake Arrieta delights crowd, breaks bats

It was just a simulated game, but Jake Arrieta gave the Phillies and their fans a glimpse of what he brings to the table. By Jim SalisburyCLEARWATER, Fla. – Spectrum Field was sold out, filled with fans clad in green and smeared with sunblock for a game against the Atlanta Braves on a festive St. Paddy's Day.

But the main event Saturday took place several hundred yards away at the minor-league complex, two hours before the big-league game even began.

Five days after signing a three-year, $75 million contract with the Phillies, Jake Arrieta climbed atop a mound and threw a 31-pitch (two-inning) simulated game. Scott Kingery, Jorge Alfaro, Logan Moore and Andrew Pullin were the hitters. Andrew…