The Cleveland Indians are only four and a half games behind the first place Chicago White Sox, and it appears that they're at least trying to improve their chances at making the playoffs this year. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Indians are among the most interested teams in Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher James Shields.

The Braves, Dodgers, Indians and Rangers are the teams most interested in Shields, who, along with Miami's Josh Johnson, are two of the most prominent starters being talked about in advance of Tuesday's deadline for nonwaiver deals.

The Indians are certainly facing some stiff competition, as the Braves, Dodgers and Rangers have been actively seeking a starting pitcher -- and all three of those teams are in better playoff shape than the Indians are. The Braves were spurned by Ryan Dempster, and like the Rangers, the Braves missed out on Zack Greinke.

We'll see how the Shields market develops, and if the Rays even elect to move him at all.

For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Let's Go Tribe.