Lewis excited for debut as analyst on Facebook

HOUSTON -- Colby Lewis -- pitcher, cyclist and race car enthusiast -- is now ready for his next adventure.
Lewis will be making his broadcasting debut as an analyst for the Rangers-Mariners game that will be broadcast today at 2:40 p.m. CT, exclusively on Facebook from Safeco Field.
"I've done a couple of innings at the ballpark before, but it's not like sitting around talking baseball for a couple of hours," Lewis said. "I think it's going to be an experience. I don't know if I'll like it or love it or want to pursue it, but I talked to my wife, Jenny, and she said do it and see if it's something you would enjoy, and go from there."
Fans can find the game at www.facebook.com/MLBLiveGames or search for MLB Live on their mobile phone Facebook app. It will not be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest or any other television outlet.
"I'm getting an opportunity, and I always preach about opportunity," Lewis said. "If you get an opportunity, take advantage of it. If you don't enjoy it, at least you can say you tried it. It just came up out of the blue. It's an opportunity, so I'll see if I like it."
Veteran broadcaster Rich Waltz will do the play-by-play, while Lewis will be paired with former Mariners second baseman Harold Reynolds as the analysts.
"I have met Harold quite a few times, and he's a nice guy," Lewis said. "It's good they've got a veteran who has done it before, so I'll be the guy sitting next to him chiming in once in a while. Hopefully that's how it plays out. I'm sure they wanted a veteran guy and not a couple of rookies."
If Lewis needs any tips, he'll likely lean on Tom Grieve, the Rangers' longtime analyst.
"Being from Bakersfield, [Calif.], Vin Scully was the guy everybody listened to," Lewis said. "I was fortunate late in my career to meet him, and he is a really nice guy who's done it a billion years. But my wife made the comment that watching the Rangers' games, it was also nice hearing Tom Grieve's voice. That's kind of the exciting part -- developing a relationship with viewers, being able to listen to someone like that as well as watching the game."
Wednesday's game is part of a 25-game package announced in March by Major League Baseball. When it came time to select an analyst for Texas' side, Lewis was among the first to be considered.

"Since Colby rejoined the Rangers last fall, he and I have discussed potentially doing some broadcasting work for the team," Rangers vice president John Blake said. "When this opportunity presented itself, it seemed like a good way for him to get involved. It will be his first time in a broadcast booth, but I think he'll definitely add a lot to the production. Colby knows our organization, and he certainly knows the game. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes, and if he enjoys the experience."
Lewis spent nine years with Texas and ranks sixth all-time in club history with 77 wins. He was 4-1 with a 3.11 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance for the Rangers in the postseason. Two of those wins came in the 2010 American League Championship Series against the Yankees, including the clinching Game 6.
Lewis is currently a special assistant to the Rangers, and he spent last weekend in North Carolina scouting their Class A teams.
"We talked about my role with the Rangers," Lewis said. "I told them I don't want any conflicting questions that will be discussed."
Of course, Rangers fans might still prefer to see Lewis pitch on Wednesday rather than be in the broadcast booth. But that won't be the case.
"That time is done," Lewis said.