Torre deftly handles Billingsley in his first start

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Have to like the way Joe Torre handled Chad Billingsley Thursday.

Billingsley still threw too many pitches -- 107, only 66 for strikes -- but he was able to walk away from his season debut feeling good.

And if you’re of the mind that Billingsley’s mental outlook is something that could still use some formulating, that’s a good thing.

After Billingsley walked Garret ``Babe Ruth’’ Jones to put runners at first and second with two outs in the fifth, Torre went to the mound.

Normally when Torre comes out, so does the pitcher. But this time he simply shared a few words with Billingsley and left him in.

Billingsley then struck out cleanup hitter Ryan Doumit. And pumped a fist.

Then in the sixth, with the Dodgers up 4-0, Billingsley gave up a one-out double to ex-Dodger Delwyn Young and Torre came and got him.

Billingsley left the game only able to win, having given up five hits and four walks.

One run scored, but it marked a successful start and something for Billingsley to build upon. Something he could use after his dismal second half last season.

-- Steve Dilbeck