01/21/2006 8:01 PM ET
Braves, Sosa avoid arbitration
Associated Press MLB Headlines
• Braves, Jorge Sosa avoid arbitration
ATLANTA -- Pitcher Jorge Sosa agreed to a $2.2 million, one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday after the best season of his career.
The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by the Braves before last season in a seemingly minor deal with Tampa Bay. After starting out in the bullpen, he claimed a spot in rotation and went 13-3 with a 2.55 ERA.
Sosa was the final Atlanta player still in arbitration. He had asked for $2.6 million, while the Braves countered with an offer of $1.8 million.
The two sides met right in the middle, though Sosa also could earn an additional $50,000 if he pitches 205 innings. He pitched 134 innings last season.
"I feel very happy with the deal because we spent a long time negotiating and we avoided arbitration," Sosa said before a winter league game in his native Dominican Republic.
Former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, now with the Baltimore Orioles, helped improve Sosa's mechanics.
"I am where I am today thanks to Leo, because he helped turn me into the pitcher I am," Sosa said.
