Mark Johnson, sports director at KOA 850 AM in Denver -- the Rockies' flagship station -- said the process of narrowing the list of applicants has begun, and a new broadcaster should be hired in "early 2010."

Kingery was a member of the Rockies' broadcast team from the club's first game in 1993 through last season. The new announcer will join Jack Corrigan.

Johnson said the process of finding a new broadcaster is being spearheaded by Lee Larsen, regional vice president of Clear Channel Colorado, which owns KOA. Johnson, Kris Olinger, the director of AM programming for Clear Channel Denver, Corrigan and Kingery giving input, and the Rockies also are being consulted. The process slowed recently because of scheduling conflicts, but it should pick up steam soon, Johnson said.

"We're obviously looking for a very talented broadcaster," Johnson said. "But we're also looking for the best fit -- someone of high character who fits in with what we do and what the Rockies do. It's not necessarily a high-profile broadcaster, just the right one for this job."