The Yankees appear poised to close the season on a hot streak. (Getty Images)

From July 18 to Sept. 4, the New York Yankees squandered a 10-game lead in the AL East. They appeared old, inconsistent and had problems in the starting rotation. The chorus of Yankee Haters -- which is basically all non-Yankee fans -- began to question if this team had anything left.

Although the Yankees have been unable to shake the surging Orioles -- the two teams have been tied for first seven different times in September -- New York has never fallen out of first place. And now the Bronx Bombers appear poised for a surge heading into the postseason.

First, consider the improved starting rotation. Ivan Nova returned to take Freddy Garcia's spot and had a nice outing on Saturday. Andy Pettitte just returned with a solid effort on Wednesday, too.

The offense has been strong, as usual. In winning 10 of their last 14 games, the Yankees averaged 5.6 runs per game (the season average is 4.8 runs per game) with a .771 OPS. They lead the majors with 220 home runs (the White Sox are second with 195).

But most of all, the schedule bodes well for a strong close to the regular season. After a three-game series against the A's this weekend, the Yankees have it pretty easy. They close with a seven-game road trip against the Twins (three games) and the Blue Jays (four) before heading home for a three-game series against the Red Sox. If they play like they've been playing -- riding a five-game winning streak -- finishing something like 96-66 is pretty realistic.

A record like that means they'd cruise into the postseason. In the playoffs, this bunch would be a very tough out -- with a caveat: CC Sabathia needs to get things fixed. If he rectifies whatever is ailing him, be it a health or mechanical issue, the Yankees have a very strong top-three rotation (Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Pettitte), powerful offense and back end of the bullpen (Rafael Soriano, David Robertson). That's a recipe for success in a seven-game series.

Still, the main point at present is that the Yankees have shaken their funk and appear to be finding their stride at the right time -- which surely angers the legions of Yankee Haters.

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