It was suggested to Ohio State baseball coach Greg Beals that he and his players no longer had to go 90 mph now that they have had a full year together, including a recruiting class, 53 games and fall training camp.

Beals jumped on the comment like a belt-high fastball down the middle of the plate.

“I understand the question, but we’re always going to go 90 mph here,” he said. “Ohio State has an expectation level. We moved fast last year, and we’re continuing that pace this year.”

The Buckeyes are coming off their first losing season since 1987, and not much is expected of them going into the Big Ten-Big East Challenge. They play South Florida this morning, Seton Hall on Saturday evening and Connecticut on Sunday afternoon, all in Florida. Seton Hall and UConn played in the NCAA Tournament last season.

Beals and the players are excited because they believe the talent level has been upgraded with the addition of eight freshmen, three junior-college transfers and three transfers from four-year colleges.

“Preseason rankings came out and they weren’t so hot for us,” said Josh Dezse, a sophomore first baseman and closer from Olentangy Liberty. “But we don’t care what people think. Our lineup is unreal this year. We’ve got guys who can fill different roles. We have so many starters. Six guys can pitch six-plus innings.”

Many newcomers will be expected to play immediately. Kirby Pellant of Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) Community College will start at shortstop, Duke transfer Mike Carroll will play left field, freshman Aaron Gretz of Apple Valley, Minn., will split time at catcher, and left-hander Brian King of Paradise Valley (Ariz.) Community College will be in the rotation.

“We had a lot of question marks last year, but this year we’re more confident,” said Ryan Cypret, a junior second baseman from Olentangy Liberty. “We know our roles much more than last year. I think we’re going to have a very competitive team. We are upgraded at every position.”

Two other high-school recruits — infielder Eric Haase of Westland, Mich., and right-handed pitcher Matt Wisler of Bryan, Ohio — opted to sign pro contracts with Cleveland and San Diego, respectively, after being drafted in the seventh round.

Pellant, who will lead off, could be a game-changer because of his speed and defense.

Beals said Gretz is “way ahead of the curve” and would enable Greg Solomon to split time between catcher and third base. In 2011, third base was the team’s biggest weakness after the starting pitching.

The rotation will be junior right-hander Brett McKinney, King and sophomore right-hander Greg Greve. Sophomore right-handers Jaron Long and John Kuchno figure to start the season as midweek game starters.

“All five of those guys understand that it is going to be competitive and will remain that way,” Beals said. “I feel very comfortable with the effort and grit from Brett McKinney on Fridays.”

Can the Buckeyes compete for the Big Ten championship? They didn’t qualify for the conference tournament in 2010 and were eliminated in three games in 2011.

“I think we definitely can do that,” Cypret said.

Despite all the new faces, Beals thinks the players have meshed.

“These guys have become Buckeyes in a hurry,” he said. “They are ready to get started.

“We’re getting closer. They know what Coach is looking for and understand the expectations of the program. The foundation has been laid.”

mznidar@dispatch.com