Ken Singleton: Trade deadline when Brian Cashman shines

Ken Singleton and Brian CashmanBarring a collapse, the Yankees will be part of the postseason. Unless they fall apart, they will win the AL East for the first time in seven years.

With an eight-game lead in the loss column over the second-place Rays as the season resumes on Friday following the All-Star break, manager Aaron Boone’s team may cruise to October. But that doesn’t mean July is about merely keeping the status quo.

In fact, this month — and in particular the July 31 trade deadline — could go a long way toward determining the 57-31 Yankees’ October fate.

It’s no secret general manager Brian Cashman would like to upgrade his rotation — this juggernaut’s Achilles’ heel — and there…