Brandon Phillips Rips into Reds Reporter for On-Base Percentage Comments

Brandon Phillips is not a happy camper. Apparently, he also doesn't care all that much about his on-base percentage.

When Cincinnati Reds beat writer C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer started asking about Phillips' on-base percentage being lower than normal this year, the Reds second baseman came back with an expletive-filled response, igniting a war of the words between the two.

Here's a transcript of the argument, from Drew Silva of NBC Sports:

"

Phillips: “Hey Dusty, the fat [expletive] on the end is worried about my on-base percentage. Why don’t you tell him to have me bat eighth with my on-base percentage.”

Rosecrans: “I don’t care about …”

Phillips: “[Expletive]. Make him happy, Dusty. Fat [expletive]. I’m tired of you talking that negative [expletive] on our team, dog. I found out your Twitter name now [expletive]. It’s a wrap.”

Rosecrans: “Wow, took you how many years? Congratulations.”

Baker: “I ain’t in that, man. That’s between you and him.”

Rosecrans: “That’s between him and him.”

Baker: “OK, even better.”

"

Well that's a bit extreme.

"

Just witnessed Brandon Phillips go off in CIN clubhouse, not pleased w some media members

— Brian Stull (@StullySTL) August 28, 2013"

It had to be tough for Rosecrans to hear one of the players he's been following curse him out like that, though the Cincinnati Enquirer will continue their coverage of the Reds as planned.

Phillips has never been one to hold back, and we saw that earlier this year when he did an interview with Cincinnati Magazine. He called his $72.5 million salary a "slap in the face" and called Reds CEO Bob Castellini a liar.

When an outspoken player like Phillips ends up in an argument, it almost always turns ugly, and it certainly did this time.

However, it's worth noting that Rosecrans had a point. Phillips' current on-base percentage is a mere .311, which is not only the lowest he's posted since joining the Reds in 2006, but it is also just 11 points higher than his batting average of .300 in 2011.

Phillips also made a valid point (although he was a bit more crass) by saying that he surely won't be dropped in the order.

This could have been a civilized discussion that had fair points on both ends, but neither man was content with that, particularly Phillips.

Not only did Phillips curse out Rosecrans, but Rosecrans also insulted Phillips by saying that it took him so long to find his Twitter handle.

Do you agree? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

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