The Coinbase Exchange API: ticker GET /products/<product-id>/ticker only provides the last close. In order to place a market order, I need the best ask and bid (based on the side) price. Almost all exchanges provide this with their ticker API, so I am little surprised coinbase doesn't.
What am I missing? Is there any way I can get that information.
You can use the Order Book endpoint: GET /products/<product-id>/book to get that information. Further details are available here.