Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2012

With the National Sports Collectors Convention around the corner, here's a look at a Topps promo mini card that will be handed out to attendees.  It's of Matt Kemp showing off his "O" face.  See the other Topps promos at Beckett.

• "Stan Kasten says Don't Expect a Blockbuster as Dodgers Seek Help," via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.

Any trade, he said, would "have to be governed by reason" and "make sense long term."

• Getting Dempster doesn't constitute a blockbuster, but is certainly a reasonable option.  We've made an offer to the Cubs for him, Via Bruce Levine at ESPN. 
• Zach Hample took his ballhawking magic to Dodger Stadium earlier this week.  Check out his report and his tips about getting Baseballs at the stadium.
• Tom Hoffarth with the Daily News speaks with Vin Scully about the art of the play-by-play man. 

As more consumers follow games with even more prolific graphic presentations on the Internet, iPhones or iPads, will play-by-play be something of a lost art in future Frick Award ceremonies?

"I wouldn't be selfish to say it, but I sure hope not," said Scully, the 1982 Frick Award winner for his work with the Dodgers, both in L.A. and Brooklyn, as well as on NBC.

Scully stands by the Red Barber philosophy of having one voice in the booth narrate for radio or TV. He says he saw the trend of analysts taking over came back in the 1970s, when he was asked by ABC producer Chuck Howard if he'd be interested in becoming the first play-by-play man on "Monday Night Football."

• Eye On LA Sports recaps the Phillies series with pics and also shows off some great autographs that includes Dee Gordon and Matt Kemp.  Heck, he even runs into Zach Hample (see the link above).
• I've just run into this great autograph collector blog called Zim's Autographs.  He's a local guy with tons of autographs to show.  Check out this recent story about a celebrity softball home run derby in Compton.  Jose Canseco was there!
• Stale Gum takes a look at the 5 dumbest sports card gimmicks from the 90's for Sports Collectors Daily.
• Now I know I have to go to Clayton's Texas BBQ and HoeDown on August 2nd.  Via Kershaw's twitter.  Go here for information on this great charity event.