The Bryce Harper introductory press conference just wrapped up in Clearwater, and let me say, the man is unequivocally perfect. Humble, family-oriented, grounded, and soft-spoken.

What’s the saying? Speak softly and carry a big stick? Seems appropriate. If I have a son, there is a 1000% chance his name will be Bryce. It’s been decided. If I have a daughter, one of his future sons can date her. Done deal.

Every Harper answer was the right answer. Not wanting to wear No. 34 out of respect for Roy Halladay was fantastic and the part about not wanting to bother Maikel Franco for No. 7 was a study in humility, but one answer stood out above the rest. When asked by MLB.com writer Hal Bodley about his $330 million contract, Harper’s answer was both nuanced and what I’d term as calculated:

https://twitter.com/BWCrossingBroad/status/1101930030278590465

“I know there’s another guy in about two years that comes up off the books, we’ll see what happens with him.”

That player, of course, is Mike Trout.

Bryce, I didn’t know I could love somebody as much as I love you, man. Really.

Free word of advice for Angels owner Arte Moreno. Just let him go now. Rip it off like a Band-Aid. Let’s not prolong the dance. Scout the Phillies’ minor league system, pick out your favorite 10, 20 players, and let’s get this done. You can’t stop destiny. You just can’t.