Jakub Janda did another interview with Mike Griffin. The Canadian, who played and coached in Czech Baseball in the past few years, has moved to China to work for MLB International and to help the sport there.
Jakub Janda: Mike, you arrived in Shanghai two months ago. What were your early days like?
Mike Griffin: I arrived in Shanghai with my wife one month ago and we moved to Wuxi where the MLB Development Center is located. Just like any major city in China, we were greeted with a lot of people and a lot of traffic. We are just settling in to our new home and new way of life. Although it’s Chinese New Year I have gotten to work individually with the kids, meet with the MLB staff, and perform a one-week clinic, all to get my feet wet.
JJ: How have you adjusted to the local climate?
MG: We are currently adjusting. Many things and places shut down over the New Year so we are still learning what life looks like here. We definitely get a lot of stares while walking down the street. The language is also an adjustment.
JJ: What is your daily and weekly routine?
MG: Wednesday through Sunday we will have practices and games at the MLBDC including weight lifting times as well. The kids also have study hall times during the week and English classes. We also meet for lunch with the players and as a coaching staff.
JJ: Could you compare your expectations and the real daily routine you are going through?
MG: This is yet to be determined, but I believe to be busy and see great progress being made by the players. We are all committed to working hard to improve the players.
JJ: How do your players differ from teams you coached back in Czech Republic?
MG: Again, we are just getting started; however the major difference is physical size. Czech players can be physically larger and stronger, but many of our players here are much quicker and work hard. I believe they have school for 9-12 hours a day including study halls and still work hard daily at baseball. So they work hard.
JJ: What is your 2011 season schedule?
MG: We officially begin February 16. We should receive further information in the near future.
Photo: Baseball Canada Press Release