SF Giants minor league notes: Lorenzo Meola's doubles, Andy Polanco's clutch game

The season is over for the Eugene Emeralds after being swept by the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League Championship Series. However, the San Jose Giants have advanced to the finals, thanks to a clutch game from Andy Polanco.

SF Giants minor league notes: Lorenzo Meola's doubles, Andy Polanco's clutch game

1. Lorenzo Meola led all minor leaguers in doubles

Lorenzo Meola had a knack for extra-base hits this year, but did you know that he led all minor leaguers in doubles? That is right. Meola tallied 40 doubles on the season.

Jhonny Level was tied for second in that category with 39 doubles. Scott Bandura and Gavin Kilen were not far behind, with 37 doubles apiece. Giants minor leaguers were well represented among the leaders in doubles.

For Meola, is was a promising first full season after being taken in the fourth round of the 2025 draft out of Stetson University. A few rounds later, college teammate Isaiah Barkett was drafted by the Giants in the 10th round.

Barkett earned a midseason promotion, and Meola certainly made a case to move up as well. Overall, he slashed .269/.353/.468 (103 wRC+) with 15 home runs, 78 RBI, and 93 runs in 547 plate appearances. This includes 40 doubles and fives triples. He also swiped 17 bases in 22 chances.

The right-handed bat got off to an inconsistent start, but found his footing midway through the year. Since July 1, he put up a .976 OPS in 263 plate appearances.

Meola saw time all over the infield for the San Jose Giants. He was drafted as a shortstop, and he has the range, athleticism, and arm strength to stick at the position. Defense is not much of a question, but with the number of shortstops the Giants have in the system, this could push Meola into more of a super-utility role.

2. Andy Polanco's surprising multi-homer game

Last week, Andy Polanco helped propel San Jose to a playoff victory over the Stockton Ports and he did it in the most improbable way. In the first game of the series, he launched two home runs to help secure a 10-5 win over the Ports.

Polanco had just two home runs in 556 career plate appearances as a pro. This includes only one home run in nearly 400 plate appearances this year, and that was an inside-the-park home run.

Polanco did not have to leg out his home runs against the Ports. Both of his long balls cleared the fence with ease.

It was an unlikely night for a Giants minor leaguer whose best tool might be his speed. Overall, he registered a .288/.332/.396 line (83 wRC+) with one home run, 40 RBI, and 62 runs in 393 plate appearances during the regular season. This includes nine triples, which was near the top in that category. He also stole 38 bases in 52 chances.

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