DEFENDING CHAMPS EARN DAY TO REMEMBER

The New York Yankees displayed their emotions for all to see when they were presented with rings commemorating the franchise's 27th world championship before Tuesday's home opener. Then they were all business. The Yankees piled up 13 hits, including home runs from Derek Jeter and Nick Johnson, to back winning pitcher Andy Pettitte's six scoreless innings in a 7-5 victory against the Los Angeles Angels. The emotions began flowing for the 5-2 Yankees when Jeter and manager Joe Girardi went to the owner's box before the start of formal ceremonies at Yankee Stadium to present George Steinbrenner with his ring. "I'm extremely grateful to him for everything he's done for me in my life," said Girardi. "It was a thrill to give him his ring and see the smile on his face." It was a special moment, too, when gravely ill trainer Gene Monahan, a beloved figure in the clubhouse, was introduced to the crowd of 49,293. He had been sorely missed by the players and staff during spring training and tapped his heart to let the roaring fans know how much their cheers meant. "Geno's a rock and he's a guy we look up to," said third baseman Alex Rodriguez. "It was a big lift for us to see him and we gave a lot of love to him." Then there was an outpouring of affection for Hideki Matsui, who made a lasting mark here before signing with the Angels last offseason. Jeter had some fun with the MVP of last year's World Series by presenting him with an undersized imitation of the championship ring before Girardi came across with the real bling. (USA Today)