Jake Arrieta hit 97 on the radar gun today, seven months after the removal of a bone spur:

“I’m very happy,” he said. “That’s really the best I’ve felt, not only this year in spring training, but I think in my professional career altogether. Free and easy, not much effort, and the results were as expected. And I’m still getting stronger. A very good sign today.

“I’ve really never felt this good, ever since I’ve been a pro, and to me … I couldn’t be happier, having felt that way today. And there’s still room for improvement. I still have some strength to gain back and I think it’s going to be a real fun year.”

PITCH f/x data suggests that once you hit 97 MPH, it’s tough for batters to catch up to a pitch in or out of the strike zone. So if Jake can keep this up, he could be in for a very nice season indeed.