Kansas City, Mo. ? Kansas City Royals interim manager John Mizerock made it clear before managing his first home game Thursday that he wants the job full-time.

Mizerock is 2-7 since replacing Tony Muser, who was fired April 29.

“Would I like to be manager? Yes,” Mizerock said in the dugout. “I think I’m a good fit for this ball club, keeping in mind that wins and losses are a determining factor.”

Mizerock is one of the candidates on the Royals’ short list. Others reportedly on the list include Class AAA Omaha manager Bucky Dent, Houston Astros coach Tony Pena and former New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Buck Showalter.

“There’s enough talent here and enough ability that if we performed to our basic ability I wouldn’t be here,” Mizerock said. “Tony would still be here and I’d be in the bullpen (as the coach).”

“Being the interim manager was not a goal of mine when the season started. I’m surprised I got it. We haven’t played well since I’ve been the interim.”

The Royals have lost 10 of their last 12 and have fallen to last place in the American League Central.

“I’m not out here everyday auditioning to be manager,” Mizerock said. “I’m not going to lie. It’s wins and losses. I’m not in the minor leagues, where I’m developing players. We don’t fault the effort. We picked up steam in the wrong direction.”

Mizerock has managed nine years in the Royals’ minor league system, compiling a 648-543 record. He managed Class A Wilmington to the Carolina League championship in 1996 and Class AA Wichita to the Texas League title in 1999. He was named the minor league Manager of the Year by Baseball America in 1999.

While general manager Allard Baird continues the interviewing process, Mizerock does not want it to become a distraction for the players.

“Let’s not worry about the interim status or myself, or who comes in next and having to get to know the next guy,” Mizerock said. “I talked to the guys. They are not worried about that.”