Powell left WTMJ Radio, the flagship station for Brewers broadcasts, to become the radio voice of the Atlanta Braves. He is to work with former major-league pitcher Don Sutton. Powell, employed by WTMJ Radio, had worked Brewers games for 13 seasons with Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker, who is employed by the Brewers.

WTMJ Radio and the Brewers began the search for Powell's replacement before Powell officially had the job in Atlanta. According to Barnes, the reason they acted quickly to begin the search was because they wanted someone in place before the Brewers' first spring training game Feb. 25.

"Interest in the job, as you can imagine, has been very high, so it's been a lot of fun listening to so many talented play-by-play broadcasters," said Steve Wexler, executive vice president of television and radio operations for Journal Broadcast Group, which owns WTMJ Radio.

The process has arrived at a final group of candidates, but Wexler declined to say how many there were.

All of the finalists have major-league announcing experience, just as Powell did 13 years ago when he was hired in 1996. Powell had called Minnesota Twins games in a reserve role in 1993 and '94. He had extensive experience on the minor-league level as well.

While he was at WTMJ Radio, Powell's duties were calling Brewers games and being host at off-season hot stove league shows. On a few occasions he took a turn with sports talk shows.

Wexler suggested that the new Brewers announcer would have a more expanded presence at the station.

"We expect that the new announcer will play a role on... WTMJ throughout the year, as schedules allow," Wexler said.