Bryce Harper: “I want to play and I want to play in D.C.”

I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it. You can’t have it. Too much magic, bush.

The Nationals’ top prospect arrived at Space Coast Stadium on Monday, still tiptoeing between cockiness and confidence, yet still sure that he can break camp with the Nats and contribute at the major league level as a 19-year-old.

“They’re going to make their decisions and I’m going to come here and play. ... I think that’s the biggest thing,” Harper said. “If I come here and work hard in the outfield, work hard hitting, try to make their decision hard - that’s the most I can do. If they want to send me back down, that’s them. I want to be up here, like I said. I want to play and I want to play in D.C.”

General manager Mike Rizzo is already aware of his future star’s stated preference, and that’s who Harper must convince that he’s ready. Harper already has an ally in manager Davey Johnson, who has been stumping for his young outfielder since last season.

“It’s huge to have the manager on your side,” Harper said. “I’m really excited, like I said, to come in here and play and just to be here is an honor. I’m going to come here, work as hard as I can, keep my mouth shut and play. ... I got to learn from everybody around me, come in here, work as hard as I can and try to make this team.”

...So Harper will allow the Nationals’ public relations staff to work with him “and learn from my mistakes. ... They’re going to let me be me and not shelter me.” That strategy also ensures that Harper’s fans and followers see him as he really is.

“I want everyone to know the real me,” he said.

and Who…is that.