Powell is at least a finalist, and perhaps even the preferred choice, to become the radio voice of the Atlanta Braves.

However, the Braves have not announced that Powell has been hired, which means the process hasn't ended. According to one current major-league baseball radio announcer, sometimes the club tells a broadcaster he is the final choice, and then negotiations begin.

That might be the case with Powell, who has declined to talk about the matter or has not responded to requests for an interview.

Earlier this week, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Braves' executive vice president for sales and marketing, Derek Schiller, confirmed that Powell was "among the finalists" for a slot with the Braves.

"I couldn't tell you where it is they are with Jim, other than we know he is a candidate," Brewers spokesman Tyler Barnes said. "Given the fact that we are going to need to have somebody on the air in February calling spring training games lends itself to some urgency that if there is an opening we need to be able to move a process along very, very quickly, but also very thoroughly. At this point we are doing some homework."

Barnes declined to say if any candidates had been interviewed.

"I can't give you any details on where we are with the process," Barnes said. "I can say if there is an opening, there absolutely is no shortage of very, very strong candidates.

"We have to think out of the box. As much as we would like Jim to stay and hope that he does, we also know he is a good candidate for the Braves and we want the best for him."

Barnes emphasized that whoever is chosen to replace Powell, if he departs, will be an employee of the WTMJ Radio, and that WTMJ is "driving the process" of finding a replacement for Powell.