I have been debating whether or not to post this on this website. I did initially tell Ted that it was for a fan website on him. I held it back for a few months because I have not had time to update lately. My reasons against posting the interview were because of Ted's privacy. I do still respect Ted's privacy. I would like this to remain on the website. I hope that those of you reading this would respect that too. Please do not copy or paste this anywhere. If I see it on any other website, the webmaster of the site will hear it from me and will be promptly asked to take it down immediately.

Keep in mind that Ted was very vague when he answered most of the questions. Some of the answers have been slightly edited for length. He left me dying for the details. I have never done anything like this before, and it was a great experience for me. Many thanks to all who helped me with the questions. You submitted some great and very intelligent questions. Enjoy :-)

Caroline Osterman: What made you decide you wanted to play baseball?
Ted Lilly: To stay busy and out of trouble.

CO: At what point in your life did you realize that pursuing a career in professional baseball was a reality?
TL: High School

CO: What team did you root for growing up?
TL: San Francisco Giants

CO: Who was your favorite player growing up?
TL: Will Clark

CO: Who do you think the best current player is?
TL: A-Rod

CO: What would you be doing with your life if you were not playing professional baseball?
TL: Coaching or teaching

CO: How did you choose #31?
TL: Steve Karsay (Yankees reliever) has #31.

CO: If you could have any number, what would it be?
TL: #31

CO: Who decides what pitches you throw--- you, the catcher, or the manager?
TL: #31

CO: What kind of things are talked about when the pitching coach visits the mound?
TL: (Strategy was written down and then crossed out). His hair and pants.

CO: Have you ever had a rain delay affect your game?
TL: No

CO: In 2001, you were suspended for hitting Scott Speizio. After your suspension, you had 2 poor games before being sent down. Did the suspension mess up your game? How so?
TL: No

CO: You have pitched in some big games before. Are you ever nervous for a particular game? What game were you the most nervous about?
TL: The first game.

CO: Broadcasters often speak about a pitcher either having his stuff or not. At what point in a game do you realize if you have your stuff or not? If you do not have your stuff, how does your game change? Do you have a different way of going after hitters?
TL: Sometimes you have good stuff and lose-bad stuff and win-go figure. You just compete with whatever you have.

CO: I've noticed over the past 2 seasons that you seem to have better games when Jorge Posada or Ramon Hernandez is not behind the plate. Is there something about the way the backup catcher calls the game that makes you pitch differently?
TL: No

CO: Does a new catcher take getting used to? How do you go about making adjustments to the catcher and vice versa?
TL: Some do, some don't.

CO: You have pitched behind two very successful starting trios in Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina (2001 Yankees), and Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito (current Athletics). What have you learned from each trio?
TL: A book full. There are several different ways to go about your business and be successful.

CO: Your role right now is a starting pitcher, but you have also pitched out of the bullpen before. Would you ever consider becoming a closer at some point in your career? Do you think that you have what it takes to close?
TL: Yes

CO: How does pitching on short or extra rest affect your game?
TL: Not much

CO: I notice that the A's have been trying to limit you to around 100 pitches. Do you wear down after that?
TL: I want to get used to throwing more than 100

CO: You've had 2 complete games last year. In general, how long do you expect to pitch?
TL: 8-9 innings

CO: I consider the best games of your major league career your complete games against San Diego and Seattle? What do you consider the best games of your major league career?
TL: San Diego and Seattle (6/22/02 and 4/27/02)

CO: When you were with NY, you seemed to pitch better on the road. DO you prefer to pitch on the road? How is pitching on the road different than pitching at home?
TL: I prefer to pitch at home.

CO: What ballparks do you like to pitch at?
TL: All parks, variety is the spice of life.

CO: Do you prefer the older or newer ballparks?
TL: A mix.

CO: If you could restore any old ballpark, what would it be?
TL: Boston (Fenway Park) (As much as I HATE to say it, I must agree with him there. That place is an absolute dump, and a restoration of it would boost Boston's attendance and perhaps lower their INSANE ticket prices.)

CO: How did you react when you were first called up?
TL: It was a dream come true.

CO: What would you consider the greatest rivalry in baseball?
TL: NY Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

CO: Who would you consider Oakland's greatest rival?
TL: Seattle

CO: What hitters have you had the most trouble with? TL: Edgar Martinez (currently batting .400 lifetime against Ted Lilly)

CO: What hitters have you had the most success against?
TL: Lefties

CO: It's game 7 of the World Series, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, bases loaded, your team up by 1. Who would you not want to face in this situation?
TL: Barry Bonds

CO: How is the Oakland clubhouse different than the NY clubhouse?
TL: The Oakland one is noisy.

CO: What did you like the most about playing in NY?
TL: A packed house and the pressure.

CO: When you were with NY, you worked out with Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Do you still follow any of their workout routine?
TL: Yes

CO: Not everyone can handle playing in NY. To me, you handled it fine. Did the pressure and media bother you at all?
TL: No, I enjoyed it.

CO: Do you still keep in touch with anyone from the Yankees?
TL: Yes

CO: What bothered you the most about being traded last year?
TL: Moving--- again

CO: What was the most frustrating thing about being on the DL last year?
TL: Watching

CO: Do you have any baseball superstitions or pregame rituals?
TL: No

CO: What's it like to have to hit during interleague games?
TL: Challenging.

CO: You have played for both AL and NL farm teams. DO the AL farm teams have a DH?
TL: No

CO: Everyone says this is a very hitter friendly era for baseball. Do you find that challenging? What do you do to overcome it?
TL: It's the game for everyone.

CO: What is more frustrating to give up? A hit or a walk? A home run or a bases-loaded walk?
TL: Depends on the situation.

CO: What is more frustrating-a fielder blowing your lead because of an error or the bullpen blowing your lead?
TL: Neither. I know they are giving 100%.

CO: Would you rather be the winning pitcher in a game where you did not pitch well but went 5 and left with the lead, or the losing pitcher in a 1-0 pitchers duel?
TL: Depends. Big game-Win at all costs!

CO: There have been a lot of brawls in baseball lately? Have you ever been involved in one? What causes them and what makes the benches clear?
TL: Yes. Tempers, ego, competitiveness

CO: Have you ever been ejected from a game?
TL: Yes

CO: I read somewhere that the starting pitcher gets to choose the game's jersey. What makes you choose the green one over the gray or white one?
TL: I choose the jersey that matches the pants.

CO: There has been a lot of talk in baseball about competitive balance. You have played for a first place small and large market team in the same season. Do you feel that small market teams can compete in today's market?
TL: Rarely-Oakland is in a special and fortunate situation.

CO: What pitcher do you compare yourself to?
TL: Myself.

CO: Who were your all star selections?
TL: Tim Hudson.