The search continues for a new play-by-play broadcaster, and the search is down to two.

Representatives of Bally Sports Midwest and the St. Louis Cardinals have settled on two finalists in their search for the team’s next television play-by-play voice. One of them is Aaron Goldsmith, currently a radio broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners on Seattle Sports 710 AM as well as select television broadcasts on Root Sports Northwest.

Goldsmith, 39, grew up in St. Louis after being born in Wichita, KS and got his first professional play-by-play experience as an intern for the Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget, Illinois.

According to sources, Goldsmith was an early favorite by the Cardinals for the position.

“St. Louis is a terrific baseball town and they have turned out a lot of great broadcasters along the way as well,” Goldsmith said in an interview in 2013. “I think that’s a positive aspect of someone’s resume,”

Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III said Monday when asked about the necessity of St. Louis ties in the candidates being considered. “There’s some great outside candidates who have done some great stuff…some of them have St. Louis connections, so I would say that’s part of the mix.”

It was reported earlier this month that both Joe Buck and Bob Costas, longtime broadcasting staples and St. Louis natives, were approached for limited engagements and respectfully declined.

The search for McLaughlin’s replacement is entering its sixth week of deliberation.

he position as the team’s lead television voice came open this winter following long-time play-by-play announcer Dan McLaughlin’s third DWI on December 5. Following the arrest, Bally Sports and the Cardinals announced on December 15 that he would not return to the broadcasts by mutual decision, although the details remain shrouded in mystery.

“I have spent the last several days reflecting on my steps towards addressing my health and the well-being of my family and me,” McLaughlin said in his original statement. “I have come to the conclusion that my sole focus needs to be on my recovery, which I have started, and that of my wife and (four) children. “As a result, I am stepping away from my duties at Bally Sports Midwest. I thank all of the people of Bally for their support throughout the years and wish them the best. As I move forward, I please ask for your patience and your privacy. Thank you. God Bless.”

(Photo Credit: Seattle Sports)