2007 MLB All-Star break, perfect for New York Mets

Literally.

Yep, the New York Mets, after a string of pathetic performances last June, is back in form again. And with the Atlanta Braves closing in on them at the NL East standings, the 2007 MLB All-Star break will give them something they desperately need... a BREAK.

The Mets are only about four games ahead of the Atlanta Braves and with Oliver Perez being slowed down by a sore lower back, the Mets can afford to rest Perez as the 2007 MLB baseball season pauses for the 14th Midsummer Classic before it kicks off again for the second half of the baseball year.

''I think it's better that way,'' New York Mets standout Oliver Perez said. ''I don't want to get hurt. I want to be available for the second half.''

The New York Mets decided to put Oliver Perez on the disabled list after their game with the Colorado Rockies. Jason Vargas from the Class AAA New Orleans will now assume Perez' place on the Mets roster.

Vargas allowed five runs in seven innings in his only start for the Mets this 2007 MLB baseball season.

The Mets were also considering Brian Lawrence, who has experience pitching at Coors Field, but they were pleased with Vargas' recent success. In six starts for New Orleans since he was returned, Vargas is 4-1 with a 3.44 earned run average.

Perez joins New York Mets teammate Jorge Sosa in the disabled list. Sosa was placed inactive last Sunday due to a strained left hamstring. The New York Mets organization believe that their two players won't be missing more than the minimum 15 days.

Of course, that's probably wishful thinking.

Who will win the 2007 MLB World Series Championship? Bodog has the odds.

New York Yankees 7/2

Boston Red Sox 9/1

Detroit Tigers 5/1

St. Louis Cardinals 9/1

Want more odds? Visit OddsHQ for more MLB baseball odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

2007 MLB All-Star Game New York Mets