"Frozen" and retired numbers

[zambonir]

Good read. I reckon some of those numbers will go back into circulation (Cole, for one is too young for them to wait on him) and MacPhail's comments also, IMO, open the door for retiring Howard (who isn't going to make the HoF).

Phillies decide whether to give away numbers

[Philsmania]

I actually appreciate that the Phillies are so conservative in retiring numbers. Some organizations are downright ridiculous about this kind of stuff. Howard shouldn't be retired but they should keep it out of circulation for about five years or so. I was surprised that Schilling's 38 was kept out of circulation for so long, not until Kendrick came up in 2007. Rollins and Utley have chances at the HOF so it makes sense to hold off on them.