Kansas City, Mo. ? The contract of Royals manager Tony Pena was extended two years through 2006 Friday by Kansas City.

General manager Allard Baird’s contract also was extended through 2006.

“Both of these individuals are a vital part of this club’s future,” Royals president Dan Glass said. “Their hard work and vision for this organization will help lead us to our ultimate goal of winning a World Series.”

Pena, in his first full season as Royals manager, led the team to an 83-79 record — the club’s first winning year since the strike-shortened 1994 season. Kansas City rebounded from its first 100-loss season in 2002 to contend until the season’s final week.

“Tony has displayed all the characteristics that we want in a manager,” Baird said. “His talent of maximizing individual abilities and transferring them to team success have made Tony part of our long-term plans for this organization.”

The Royals stayed in contention in 2003 despite an injury-plagued pitching staff that included a league-high 15 starters.

Pena, 45, is 132-156 as Royals manager after taking over the club May 15, 2002.

Kansas City also signed right-hander Joe Dawley, who has a 37-37 record and 3.56 ERA in the minor leagues. He is expected to compete for a long-relief role.

The Royals named left-hander Darrell May pitcher of the year, who started the season 0-4 with 10 no-decisions.

“I’m shocked,” May said. “I’m really blown away. I figured it was going to be (Mike) MacDougal. He is an All-Star and had a great rookie year. It’s definitely quite an honor.”

May earned his first win June 27 by beating St. Louis, 6-3, at Kauffman Stadium. That ignited a 10-4 run over his final 18 starts, and he finished 10-8 with a 3.77 ERA. He led the team in wins, starts and innings, and posted the best ERA among starting pitchers.

In other moves Friday, Kansas City promoted Muzzy Jackson to vice president and assistant general manager of baseball operations. Jackson is in his 12th season of professional baseball and has served as assistant general manager since 1999. Shaun McGinn was promoted to director of player development.