The Cincinnati Reds and the reporters covering the team apparently have an issue with one another-at least second baseman Brandon Phillips does.
Phillips exploded on a journalist named C. Trent Rosecrans, barging through manager Dusty Baker's office door while an interview was apparently going on. Phillips isn't seen on camera, but he can be heard very clearly insulting Rosecrans' physique, and even threatening the reporter.
Phillips' volcanic eruption stemmed from a Rosecrans tweet following Baker's decision to move shortstop Zack Cozart out of the No. 2 spot in the batting order and insert Phillips instead. It was the first time since Opening Day that Phillips batted second.
Rosecrans' tweet read, "Reds go from a hitter with a .320 OBP in the 2 hole to one with a .310 OBP." Typically, a No. 2 hitter is preferred to be a high-contact hitter with a good on-base percentage, so they can move speedy leadoff hitters around the base paths.
Phillips took exception, and repeatedly called Rosecrans a "fat motherf---er," and forcefully implored him to "stop talking all that negative s-t." Then he said, "I know your Twitter name too now, so it's a wrap."
Rosecrans never backed down from Phillips' intimidation, calmly retorting "Good. It's been how many years now?" to Phillips' Twitter handle remark.
The Cincinnati Enquirer released a statement regarding Phillips' blowup. In it they appear willing to move on from the fiasco.
"There was a situation that arose this evening prior to the Reds and Cardinals game involving our reporter C. Trent Rosecrans and Brandon Phillips.
Phillips took exception to our analysis concerning his on-base percentage and a follow-up tweet after being moved into the second spot in the lineup. It is a fair subject to consider, and one our readers would expect us to address.
While we are disappointed in Phillips' reaction, we understand it is a pennant race and emotions are high during a crucial series with a heated rival. This isn't the first time a player has lost his temper in response to a reporter's questions and it won't be the last. It is part of covering the team day-in day-out."
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