ESPN Insider says that Florida Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco could be a good consolation prize for teams that lost out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Teams such as the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox could go after Nolasco.

On Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com said, “If Lee indeed is Yankee bound, Ricky Nolasco may become an attractive trade piece. Marlins will listen for right offer.”

ESPN also considers Nolasco a better pitcher than Ted Lilly, Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona and Ben Sheets – all pitchers that could be trade candidates by July 31.

Nolasco, 27, is arbitration eligible this coming winter and he could expect a salary north of $5 million next season.