Mets Morning News: Clippard heads to the desert, Mets sign Bernadina

Meet the Mets

The Mets have signed former Dodgers outfielder Roger Bernadina to a minor league deal. The 31-year-old is probably best known among Mets fans for his infuriating defensive plays against them.

Former Mets reliever Tyler Clippard is headed to Arizona. The Diamondbacks inked the reliever to a two-year, $12.25 million deal.

Travis d'Arnaud is ready to win a World Series in 2016, he tells Kevin Kernan of the Post. He raved about the Mets' pitching staff, and talked about his adventures in an RV that he rented.

Michael Conforto said that losing the World Series still stings. The young outfielder said that thinking about the loss drives him to work harder.

Maria Guardado previewed the Mets middle infielders for 2016. She doesn't seem to like their defense, which isn't exactly a surprising take.

Around the NL East

Dave Schoenfield said that he's most excited to watch Bryce Harper versus the Mets this season. Harper was stymied by Mets pitching last year, but looks to rebound.

John Stolnis at The Good Phight reminds us that, even though you might love your team's best prospects, sometimes it's good to check your expectations at the door.

Around the Majors

MLB is looking at options to protect shortstops and second basemen, and said a new rule could be put in place as early as this season. The anticipated rule change comes in the wake of Chase Utley breaking Ruben Tejada's leg during the NLDS.

Patrick Mooney noted that the Cubs needed to spend a lot of money to keep up with the Mets, and the rest of the best in the National League.

Some top players avoided arbitration, as Josh Donaldson agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal, and AJ Pollock signed a two-year, $10.25 million extension.

Dave Cameron discussed how Cuban defectors Yuliesky and Lourdes Gurriel may be a good case study for the problems with MLB's international system.

Delmon Young was arrested for allegedly choking and threatening a valet attendant at a hotel in Miami. Young was also alleged to have used ethnic slurs against the attendant, which is a similar story to his 2012 arrest.

Savannah, who previously hosted the Sand Gnats, is bringing a new team to Grayson Stadium and is asking for help to name the team. There are some interesting choices, for sure.

Yesterday at AA

Jeffrey and Chris talked about delicious fried things and long trips down I-95 in our spring training preview edition of Amazin' Avenue Audio.

Matt Varvaro posted his Mind Boggler for the week, and he wants you to brush up on the best players of the 2000's.

Noel Purcell covered the Diamondbacks signing of Tyler Cippard.

Jordan Rabinowitz talked about the Mets signing of Roger Bernadina. If you can't beat 'em, sign 'em, I guess!

This Date in Mets History

Happy birthday to Mookie Wilson! In his ten seasons with the Mets, he endeared himself to fans as one of the most lovable players in franchise history.

If you see a great addition to Mets Morning News, send an email to our tips address, tips@grission.com, and we'll try to add it in!