sentences:  The defending World Series champions got off to a slow start in , prompting owner George Steinbrenner to put pressure on manager Billy Martin.Compounding the issue was the already-tumultuous relationship between Martin and Reggie Jackson, and Steinbrenner was pressuring him as well.On July 17, with the team at and in fourth place in the American League East, it came to a head during a home contest with the Kansas City Royals on Monday, July 17.