When asked what his broadcasting style might be as he prepared to make his debut in Wednesday's Facebook-exclusive Royals-Blue Jays game, former Kansas City right-hander Jeremy Guthrie paused briefly.
"I don't know. Anyone got any tips?" Guthrie deadpanned.
Chances are, Guthrie will be just fine as he works in the booth for the 3:07 p.m. CT game in Toronto. Guthrie will be working with MLB Network play-by-play announcer Scott Braun and former Expo Cliff Floyd. Alexa Datt will serve as the in-game reporter.
Those who have known Guthrie over the years have felt he might have a second career in the booth. He has an insightful knowledge of the game and easily finds the levity in situations.
"It's certainly something I have interest in," Guthrie said. "MLB reached out to me to do this, and I was pretty excited. Nervous, but excited."
Guthrie and Royals vice president of communications Mike Swanson had several chats about Guthrie pursuing a career in broadcasting.
"I [thought] he could have the skill set for it," Swanson said. "Jeremy played the game a long time, which gives him the on-field knowledge, and the Jeremy Guthrie I know analyzes every situation, which could play well on the air for him. … I think [Wednesday] will give him a great opportunity to get a feel for the timing in the booth."
Guthrie said he has a great deal of respect for those in the broadcasting profession, and he listed Vin Scully, Keith Jackson, Al Michaels and Marv Levy as some of the broadcasters he has admired.
Any nerves Guthrie might have on Wednesday could be alleviated by his familiarity with Kansas City's organization.
Guthrie, who retired last season, came to the Royals in 2012 and was an instant hit, going 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 14 second-half starts. He started Game 7 of the 2014 World Series against the Giants, and he won a World Series championship ring in '15.
Of course, the Royals have experienced quite a roster turnover since Guthrie last played for them, but he remains in touch with Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez (presently on the disabled list), and can still count Alcides Escobar, Kelvin Herrera, Mike Moustakas, Danny Duffy, Andrew Butera and Paulo Orlando as former teammates.
"Also, the game is in Toronto -- a great city and a place I had some success [2.62 career ERA] at," Guthrie said. "This could set up pretty well."
Wednesday's game will be the third Facebook game shown, part of a 25-game deal announced last month by Major League Baseball.