While the Dodgers were in Colorado early last month, third baseman Justin Turner and since-traded catcher A.J. Ellis slipped into a restaurant a couple of blocks from the team hotel.
There, they shared a table with Tim Wallach and Lorenzo Bundy, a couple of former Dodgers coaches now with the Miami Marlins. The Marlins were in town for an upcoming series against the Rockies.
Stories were exchanged. Laughs were shared.
Hearing what Mattingly said that night convinced Turner the league standings were indicative about something.
“It kind of worked out for everyone,” Turner said.