Astros right-hander Henry Sosa returned to the Dominican Republic this offseason in order to play Winter League ball for Estrellas de Oriente after getting his first taste of the big leagues in 2011.
Sosa, 26, was acquired by Houston on July 19 as part of the trade package that sent Jeff Keppinger to the San Francisco Giants.
He immediately turned heads at Double-A Corpus Christi by posting a 2-0 record with a 2.89 ERA over 18 2/3 innings in three starts.
Sosa earned a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City, only to make one start, prior to Houston purchasing his contract on Aug. 10.
Manager Brad Mills gave Sosa a strong look and a chance to prove himself as a member of the starting rotation down the stretch.
He showed promise.
Sosa went 3-5 with a 5.23 ERA over 10 starts and put himself in position to compete for a spot in Houston's starting rotation for 2012.
The young right-hander gained a great deal of confidence under the guidance of Mills and pitching coach Doug Brocail last season.
Now, he's looking to build upon his 2011 regular season by gaining experience this winter with Estrellas while working on his command.
"I'm working hard on my slider and fastball command," Sosa said. "Sometimes, my fastball moves too much. It can put me behind hitters. These are the things I'm working on for next year."
Although Sosa's 1-2 record and 5.87 ERA over his four starts isn't lighting up the box score, he's only walked one batter in 15 1/3 innings and has yet to yield a home run to opposing hitters.
"I'm very excited to be in the Dominican Republic pitching for Estrellas," Sosa said. "This is a good league to pitch in. The competition is very strong. I have a chance to get better, and that's what I'm going to do. I will be ready to do well in Spring Training."
Sosa, a member of the World Team in the 2007 XM All-Star Futures Game, has already set his personal goals for next season.
What is he aiming to accomplish?
"I want to stay with the Astros all year," Sosa said. "I want to earn a rotation spot and win at least 17 to 18 games. That's what I want. I made it up to the team last season. Now, I want to win a lot of games. I believe I can. You have to have a plan to pitch. It's different in the big leagues, because they can hit the ball. I believe I can compete and be a good starter for the Astros.
"I know I can do it."
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