Tony Pena resigned as manager of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night, less than two seasons after he was the American League manager of the year. The move came hours after the Royals lost 3-1 to the Blue Jays in Toronto and fell to an AL-worst 8-25. Royals spokesman Aaron Babcock said Pena would be replaced on an interim basis by bench coach Bob Schaeffer. ``I feel that at this time we have not played to the top of our abilities,'' Pena said in a statement released by the team. ``The Kansas City Royals are on the right track by committing to their young players, and I believe the Royals will be contenders for a long time if they don't change their direction.''