Kansas City, Mo ? The Kansas City Royals seem to be getting over their disappointment that Tony Pena is their new manager and not John Mizerock.

“I think everyone sees Tony Pena’s true colors, and as they’re exposed, a lot of people like it,” first baseman Mike Sweeney said Thursday. “He brings a lot to the table. He’s very enthusiastic. He knows the game of baseball.”

Pena, 44, was hired off the staff of the Houston Astros on May 15 to replace Tony Muser. For two weeks, bullpen coach Mizerock, who had managed many of the Royals in the minor leagues, had served as interim skipper.

“I was really hurt for Rock. He’s like family to me,” Sweeney said. “But now that Tony’s got the job, I’m happy for him. I like the direction the team is going.

“But Rock watched me get off a plane when I was 18 years old in Eugene, Ore. He helped me mature into a man and get to the big leagues. It’s like a family member. I was hurt originally, but I know that one day Rock’s going to be a great manager.”

Pena was 3-6 after nine games following the postponement of Thursday night’s game against Texas.

“It’s still a learning process for all of us, but he’s a very positive guy, and we appreciate that,” pitcher Dan Reichert said. “We’re all pulling for him. A lot of us were disappointed that Rock didn’t get the job. But he’s still going to get his shot some day.”

Even thought it’s been less than two weeks, Pena said he already is familiar with his players.

“I already know the team,” he said. “I already know the team right now. I already set up my lineup and they know where they’re going to be.”

Nevertheless, he has used nine lineups in nine games.

“I will play everybody,” he said. “But the people who are going to play every day, they know where they’re going to hit. They can count on it. I already did what I’m supposed to do.”

Right fielder Chuck Knoblauch, in the meantime, was still hampered by a sore right elbow and forearm. He will probably miss the next 2-3 games.

“It’s something that’s been bothering him quite a bit and I need to give him some time off,” Pena said.

Pena has already shown he is not hesitant to set players down whether they want to play or not. Shortstop Neifi Perez was indignant two days ago when he was held out of the lineup.

“Perez was angry because he wanted to play, but he has to understand we are all human beings and sometimes it’s time to get a rest,” Pena said. “You get to know everybody, you sit down and you meet with them.”