In his final game as Spinner manager this season, Deeble guided Lowell to a 9-7 victory over the Oneonta Tigers at LeLacheur Park last night.

Deeble is scheduled to fly back to his home in Melbourne, Australia today to be with his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Kate, who was born prematurely on Aug. 19. The Deebles also have two young sons.

Lynn Jones, a roving instructor in the Boston Red Sox organization who has worked with Lowell's players this summer, will serve as Spinners interim manager for the eight remaining games on the schedule.

"My wife had a baby at home," said Deeble, 41. "And the baby was born premature and is still in the hospital. It's time to get home.

"We were hoping the baby wouldn't be born until after the season. But that wasn't the case. They took the baby early. And I have two other (little boys) to look after. There are a few other issues. But everyone is going to be fine."

Deeble, in his first year as Lowell's manager, has directed the Spinners to a 36-30 record this season. The franchise record for most wins in a season is 41, set by the 2000 team.

Lowell still has an outside chance of making the New York-Penn League playoffs. The third-place Spinners trail first place Oneonta by 3 1/2 games in the Stedler Division.

"Some of our players have made huge strides," said Deeble. "I've seen a lot of improvement in a lot of our guys. I think we still have a chance to make the playoffs. But if we don't, we still have a lot of prospects here.

"I've enjoyed managing here. I hope to come back. It's been a great experience. The fans are great. The city is great. The players have been great. I couldn't ask for a better situation."

The Spinner players, many of whom are first-year pros straight out of college, gave Deeble a great sendoff. Lowell pounded out 13 hits, including three hits apiece by Matt Murton and Robert Evans.

"We found out a couple days ago he was leaving," said Evans. "Family comes first for him and that's the way it should be. This is just a game. It is a job, but his family is more important and we understand that.

"He's done an amazing job managing us. He shows great patience with a lot of guys. Minor league ball is a lot different than the college game. There have been a lot of adjustments for a lot of guys. His patience and temperament have remained the same throughout. He doesn't raise his voice or yell. But he tells us the right way to do things. Every player on our team respects him. And that's probably the best compliment a manager can get."

Deeble believes the Spinners won't miss a beat playing for Jones.

Jones spent nine seasons as a coach in the Florida Marlins system, including three years at the major league level. He was the Marlins first base coach in 2001. Jones played in 527 major league games over the course of eight big league seasons with the Tigers and Royals.

"Jonesie has a lot of experience," said Deeble. "I've worked with him. He's managed at every level. The players are in good hands. He'll have a lot of fun working with them. He has a great demeanor with the kids."

Spinners hitting coach Randy Phillips is also leaving the team for personal reasons. John Sanders, a roving instructor in the Red Sox organization, will take his spot on the staff for the remainder of the season.

Evans led the way on offense for the Spinners last night with a double, two singles, two RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases.

"We're relaxed, no one expects us to come back and make the playoffs," said Evans. "We're just having fun. There's only a few games left and we want to make the most of them."

In the past six games, Murton is batting .571 (12-for-21) with 8 RBI.

Jonathan Papelbon picked up the win in relief of Spinner starting pitcher Jarrett Gardner.

Gardner had his streak of not allowing a walk this season come to an end at 52 1/3 innings. In 55 innings, Gardner has only walked one batter.

Brian Marshall pitched the final inning and a third and earned his sixth save.