Replacing radio broadcasters isn't something the Reds have much practice at.
The last time they did it, in fact, was 1974, when they hired an unknown named Marty Brennaman.
But over the next few months, chief operating officer John Allen will get more audition tapes than Columbia Records.
That's because the Reds need a replacement for Joe Nuxhall in 2004 when he cuts back to 60 games. The new voice, like Brennaman and Nuxhall, will be an employee of the club.
AUDIO CLIPS
Listen to some of Joe Nuxhall's memorable radio moments at 700wlw.com
"The ultimate call is ours," Allen said. "We'll get input from WLW."
Brennaman will have a say in who his new partner is.
"I think I'm going to be involved. How much they give me is another question," Brennaman said. "But I certainly have language in my contract that says I will be involved in the process .... You can't devote this many years to one guy and then not have anything to say in who replaces him."
Two early candidates: Dan Hoard and Chris Welsh.
Hoard is the radio play-by-play man for University of Cincinnati football and basketball. Welsh, a former Red, is the color analyst on the Reds television broadcast.
"In Chris' case, we know what kind of experience he's had," Brennaman said. "In Dan Hoard's case, he's a proven radio play-by-play guy. He's done it in the minor leagues. He's done it with the Mets. And he's done it here."
