Despite it generally being a boring sport to watch, I love baseball. America’s pastime, indeed.

But players have become too damn nice to each other. How many times do we have to see a runner reach base and watch as a member of the opposing team pats them on the rear, gives them a back rub and straightens out their jock for them? Enough already.

Heading into a pivotal series against division rival St. Louis on Monday, Reds’ second baseman Brandon Phillips took the opportunity to discuss how much he hated the Cardinals. And dude didn’t hold back.

“We have to beat these guys. I hate the Cardinals. All they do is bitch and moan about everything, all of them, they’re little bitches, all of ‘em. I really hate the Cardinals. Compared to the Cardinals, I love the Chicago Cubs. Let me make this clear – I hate the Cardinals.”

Finally, a baseball player with a backbone. I don’t care if his comments were justified or not – it’s about time someone stoke the rivalry flames again in baseball. This isn’t a softball beer league or Babe Ruth Baseball – for the love of Pete Rose, it’s Major League Baseball. Where’s the hatred? Where are the division rivalries? Outside of the Red Sox and Yankees, and Giants and Dodgers, there are none.

Phillips just made this three-game set between the Reds and Cardinals even more interesting than it already was. I’m not suggesting that every player goes out and calls the other team names at the start of a new series, but it’s nice to see some life being breathed into the game again. Did you see that game last night? Chris Carpenter was ready to punch a hole through Brendan Ryan’s esophagus after the shortstop grabbed the wrong mitt in the first inning. Do you think Carpenter wanted to beat the Reds after what Phillips said?

Good for you, Brandon Phillips. Now try not getting your ass kicked tonight.