Adam Foster is the owner and founder of Project Prospect, an independent Web site focused on baseball’s minor league players. Today, he contributes an interview with Ryan Kalish, conducted November 16, 2009. Kalish is considered Boston’s third-best prospect according to SoxProspects.com. 21, Kalish hit .271/.341/.440 for Double-A Portland with 14 stolen bases before posting a .301 batting average in the AFL. The odds are likely Kalish sees some big-league time next year.

Ryan Kalish doesn’t speak nonsense. He’s clear, confident and absolutely focused on improving his game. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder – he’s an exhibit of muscle – is hardly capable of easing up. He’s 100-percent committed to playing hard and fine-tuning his skills.

I caught up with Kalish at the end of the Arizona Fall League to discuss his 2009 power improvements, his approach to hitting, and adjusting with thick skin.

Adam Foster: Project Prospect talked to Casey Kelly the other night and he described you as a hard-nosed guy who goes 100-percent all the time. What kind of ball player do you think you are?

Ryan Kalish: Same exact thing that you just said. That’s what I pride myself on…just really working hard. You’re not gonna be able to do well every single day. But when people leave and they’ve seen me play I want them to say that no matter what he’s gonna give it all. So that’s what I pride myself on.

AF: You’re coming off a much improved power season here in 2009 opposed to 2008. What’s different?

RK: Honestly, it’s just the mentality of just really attacking the pitches and lettin’ my swing do the work. I feel like in the past I’ve been real mechanical, really trying to get to the ball. But now I trust myself that my ability can really get to the ball. So I’ve just really been aggressive and I think it’s helped.

AF: Is it something, too, where you really try to get an idea of what a pitcher throws – what his best pitches are – and know you can work around that?

RK: Absolutely. It’s been a big season mentally… learning the game. And I just feel more confident than I used to be. So it’s been helping.

AF: Have there been any players out here who have helped improve your approach?

RK: Absolutely. Bryan Petersen – the Marlins’ center fielder. Him and I really connected, especially because we kind of both play the game the same way: real tough and real hard. And we’ve had some really good conversations about the game. He’s really helped me.

AF: You guys have similar body types and it does seem like you both play the game with a similar style…

RK: Yeah, we kind of hit it off and I’m sure we’ll be in touch throughout the year…just helpin’ each other.

AF: Did the power improvement you had in 2009 have anything to do with your hamate bone fully healing after you broke it in 2007?

RK: Yeah, I had a little pain in 2008 but this year has been totally pain-free. I feel really good.

AF: I’ve read reports that you didn’t have a single swing-and-miss your senior year in high school. Is that true?

RK: Yeah. That was crazy, man. I fouled a few off and I struck out like twice but it was when I took pitches.

AF: Did you have swing-and-misses your previous seasons?

RK: Maybe a few. But it couldn’t have been too many over the years… definitely freshman and sophomore year, prolly a few here or there. I’ve changed my game now. To make the big leagues you really have to drive the baseball. That’s what I’m trying to do. And that causes some swing-and-misses now. So it’s fine.

AF: It does seem like that’s one thing that really distinguishes the big leaguers from the minor leaguers. Not only are they really hitting for a lot of power, but you still need maintain your contact rates at the same time.

RK: Yeah, absolutely. That’s something I’m trying to work on too. I had a lot of at-bats and I had about the same amount of Ks as last season. So you know what, you just go with it. I’m not really worried about the strikeouts.

AF: It seemed like in your promotion to Double-A, you started off not hitting for a lot of power and then toward the end you were hitting for power but the strikeouts also went up. Was that a conscious adjustment in your swing or did it just happen?

RK: It just happened, man. It’s just something that comes with the game. And it’s an out, just like any other out. Outs are all the same. It’s no big deal.

AF: What has it been like adjusting to Double-A and the Arizona Fall League pitching?

RK: It’s been tough but I like it because the challenge. That’s what we’re out here for… the big leagues is obviously the ultimate challenge. I had a tough adjustment at first… you just keep pushing through. You really learn a lot about yourself and you get thick skin. Because this is a tough game – you’re going to struggle sometimes – and it’s been nice to turn that around.

AF: You’re with a team where the fans are really into baseball – very passionate. I think you almost need thick skin.

RK: Absolutely. The (Red Sox fans) are also really good with it. They understand baseball and they have to know that you’re going to go through struggles. That’s just how it is. And I’ve been through some struggles here and I’m sure I will again because that’s how the game is…but always just keep working.

AF: You’ve played a bit of center field, right field, left field this season. Where do you feel the most comfortable?

RK: It doesn’t matter. I’m good wherever. I also pride myself on being able to play all three because that’s what it’s going to take to get up there, is be able to do whatever they ask. If they throw me in center I’m good…they throw me in right, in left, it doesn’t matter. That’s what I’m trying to work on here, just mastering all three positions. And there’s some little things here and there that you need to work on, but for the most part I’m just worried about me being in the lineup. I don’t care where I’m at.

AF: You pitched in high school, correct?

RK: Yeah (laughs).

AF: And I think in college you were gonna be a two-way player…

RK: I was gonna. But I don’t really miss it at all.

AF: Didn’t you have a shoulder injury toward the end of your career in high school?

RK: Yeah. Honestly it was my own fault. I just overused myself. I was always wantin’ to pitch. And you’ve just gotta have some rest… so definitely made some good decisions here.

AF: What kind of speeds were you hitting when you pitched in high school?

RK: I anywhere between 88-93, so I had some pop – especially being left-handed. But I’m really glad I’m not doing that at all anymore.

AF: Do you feel at all for Casey Kelly being tried at both positions?

RK: No. I think he’s gonna be fine. That kid’s talented so he’s going to be fine wherever he chooses.

AF: Is your shoulder 100-percent now?

RK: Yeah, it’s fine… good to go.

AF: One last one for you. Have you ever taken any balls off the Green Monster?

RK: I did when I went for the Futures at Fenway game. But I played at Portland this year and it’s the same thing. I’m not worried about it. Hopefully I get to play there. And when I do, I’ll be ready.