For the last few years, the Phillies have awarded a late-Grapefruit League pitching assignment to a minor leaguer.

Last year, Andrew Carpenter, fresh of an 18-win season at Clearwater, dazzled in relief against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field.

This year's recipient of the chance to play with and against the big leaguers?

Kyle Drabek, the team's first round pick in the 2006 draft.

Drabek will start today at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa against the star-studded Yankees lineup.

"Kyle has done a tremendous job getting himself through his rehab, getting himself in much better shape, acting better as a professional," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "It's a nice little reward for him."

I caught up with Drabek a few weeks back when minor-league camp opened. Here's his story, as he battled back form Tommy John surgery and tries to regain his status as one of the organization's top young arms.