There are only so many numbers available for the Yankees to give out. I've got that.
And I know that there's a real pecking order as we look over the retirements for this latest batch of championship Yankees: Mo and Jeter then Bernie and Jorge.
Paul O'Neill is another rung down- not a lifelong Yankee, but a main cog in the championship teams and the main connection between the Dark Days of Mattingly to the Glory Days. 9 seasons in NY, 4 rings, 5 pennants, 7 post-seasons, 4 All-Star games, 1 batting crown.
I certainly understand the argument that you shouldn't retire his number.