Brewers radio announcer Joe Block is a finalist for the No. 1 radio position for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Credit: Journal Sentinel files

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The Milwaukee Brewers might be in the market for a new radio broadcaster for the 2016 season and beyond.

Joe Block, the No. 2 man to Hall of Famer Bob Uecker in the Brewers' booth, is a finalist to fill the job of No. 1 radio broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Accordingly, the club is taking the step of accepting applications for a possible replacement.

Here is a link to that job posting on the Brewers' website.

Actually, the possible hire would not be to replace Block, who has worked with Uecker for four seasons. It would be to fill the role currently held by Jeff Levering, who would step up as the No. 2 man in the booth.

Levering was hired last year to fill in on selected road trips for Uecker, who cut back his schedule away from home.

The Pirates are expected to make their decision soon. But with the season not that far away and exhibition play even closer, the Brewers cannot afford to wait to take applications for a possible replacement.

"This would be a clear advancement in Joe's career," said Tyler Barnes, the Brewers' vice president of communications. "With timing tight, we put a plan in place to ensure a thorough process of evaluating potential candidates if Joe departs.

"We're very fortunate to have Jeff Levering in the bullpen, but the domino effect dictates that we would still need to add a third broadcaster if Joe departs. Along those lines, we are gathering materials from potential candidates so we can hit the ground running, but only if needed."

Barnes said the Brewers would discontinue the budding search if Block remains in their broadcast booth.