JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Rafael Furcal didn’t have to think too hard about re-signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, even after they declined to pick up his contract option.

Furcal, a trade deadline pickup who was one of the keys to the Cardinals’ World Series run, got a two-year, $14 million contract.

He filled voids last season at leadoff and at shortstop, where he helped to solidify the defense with one of the strongest arms at his position in the major leagues.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Baseball’s Hall of Fame will honor three generations of St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series champions on July 21, the day before this year’s induction ceremonies. The Hall said Wednesday there will be a special recognition for the living managers who led the Cardinals to Series titles: Red Schoendienst (1967), Whitey Herzog (1982) and Tony La Russa (2006 and last year). Hall president Jeff Idelson says “these three managers have united a fan base for generations and provided endless memories for Cardinals fans everywhere.” Schoendienst and Herzog are both members of the Hall. La Russa also led Oakland to the 1989 championship. They will be praised during the Hall’s awards presentation, when Tim McCarver is honored for excellence in broadcasting and Toronto Sun columnist Bob Elliott is recognized for writing.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa coach Fran McCaffery acknowledges that junior forward Eric May hasn’t been himself lately because of back spasms. May, a former starter for the Hawkeyes, hasn’t played more than 10 minutes since early last month because of back trouble. McCaffery says May isn’t doing “great,” adding that the explosiveness that marked his game has been lacking. McCaffery says he appreciates May’s effort over the past month, adding he’s been a terrific competitor. May will likely play sparingly when Iowa faces Illinois Thursday in the first round of the Big Ten tournament. You can hear the game on KJAN beginning at 9:30-a.m., Thursday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran linebacker Demorrio Williams on Tuesday, saving the franchise about $2 million in salary cap space before the start of free agency. The 31-year-old Williams joined the Chiefs in 2008 after four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, and eventually became the starter ahead of Derrick Johnson. But he’s been used primarily on special teams the past few seasons as Johnson emerged as a Pro Bowl middle linebacker. Williams has started 65 of 124 career games, including 22 starts over the past four years in Kansas City. He made 237 tackles (155) solo with the Chiefs. Playing time would have been tight for Williams next season.

Johnson is signed through 2015, and is coming off the best year of his career, setting a franchise record with 179 tackles. He also had two interceptions and two sacks. Jovan Belcher, a restricted free agent, is coming off a breakout season in which he finished second on the team in tackles. Kansas City also has signed Brandon Siler, who missed all of last season after tearing his Achilles in training camp, to a one-year extension. Kansas City has more pressing needs in the April draft, particularly the offensive and defensive lines. But the Chiefs may also target a linebacker in the later rounds who can supply the same kind of depth and special teams ability as Williams at a fraction of the cost.