MLB insider Robert Murray sits down with Foster Griffin to unpack three seasons in Japan (NPB): adding a splitter and two-seamer, learning to turn lineups over, digging into usable scouting reports, and how living abroad with his family changed everything. From culture shock (yes, chicken sashimi!) to pitch-design breakthroughs and a return to MLB as a left-handed starter—this is the blueprint for a successful overseas reset.

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00:00 Welcome Foster Griffin!

00:31 Family life in Japan (safety, culture, lifestyle)

01:11 “Craziest foods” & embracing the culture

03:43 Breakfast in Japan vs. U.S.

04:14 Biggest baseball differences + Cooper cameo 🐶

04:41 Learning to be a starter again

05:07 Adding pitches (splitter, two-seamer) & why

06:21 Solving lefties: movement profiles & approach

07:22 Expanding the plate with a sweeper

08:47 “I’m a different pitcher now”

08:58 Seven-pitch arsenal (how each fits)

09:45 Why the two-seamer matters vs LHB

09:48 Who helped? Copying NPB splitter masters

10:36 Finding the splitter grip (trial & video)

11:14 How he uses the splitter (put-away philosophy)

12:28 Do many LHPs throw splitters?

13:14 Career perspective & advice that stuck

14:50 Role in MLB: Starter vs. bullpen

15:36 Thin LHP market + what’s next

16:00 What he’s eager to test back in MLB

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