Sure, the World Baseball Classic warm-up, between the Oakland A’s and South Africa was one-sided--what would you expect? Even though the South Africa team lost 14-1, the team was spirited and played their hearts out..

South Africa’s second baseman Paul Bell led the game off with a double and scored , but that would be the visit team’s lone run for the game. Oakland, playing with a split squad, featured Bobby Crosby, Nick Swisher (he hit a long bomb) and Daric Barton, Oakland’s top minor league prospect.

We talked with Byrne Donaldson (he’s the one wearing a really cool shirt) who gave a resounding rendition of the National Anthem on the sax. Later, we spotted Mr. Moneyball, Billy Beane, in the stands and even had a chance to talk to South Africa’s pitching coach Lee Smith. Yes, the Lee Smith with 478 lifetime saves. He’s not in the Hall of Fame, but that’s a story for another clip. We even spoke to a number of parents of players on the South Africa team, including the mom and dad of Ashley Scott, an outfielder who had one of the team’s eight hits.

All in all, it was a blast. Wait until the real games start next Tuesday. One more exhibition for us… and it’s a big one: USA vs. San Francisco Giants. It’s tomorrow! Stay tuned.