A minor league mind.

Can you imagine if the Yankees don't sign Robinson Cano to a long-term contract?:

"Behind the scenes, the people who run the Yankees have spent an awful lot of time complaining about Alex Rodriguez’s contract, one that seems to run forever, an insane 10-year contract, the dumbest in world history, given to him before they found out he was once the Lance Armstrong of the Texas Rangers."

I don't believe Mike Lupica has any access to the Yankees behind the scenes.

"So it is going to be interesting to see if they are willing to give Robinson Cano, past 30 now, his own 10-year contract when the time comes, one that will take him to the age of 40 and beyond."

Ten years is just insane, but eight years is cool.  

A 38-year-old D. Wright pulling down $20 million in the 2020 season in a league without a DH is going to be heartwarming and inspirational.

"Because if they do, this does become the old line about people not learning from history being doomed to repeat it."

Very old line, actually.  From a very old sportswriter.

I see no reason to believe that any major league ballclub that hopes to achieve success would shy away from long-term free agent contracts, with the understanding that the value will diminish over time.  If you don't like the rules, then get out of the game.  Be the Houston Astros, or something.

"If Cano and his agent Boras want eight years or 10 years and $200 million or more, I would tell both of them to hit the road."

In that case, I thank my lucky stars that Mike Lupica does not run the Yankees.  

Cano drives me bonkers with his lax attitude, but he's going to be a terrific HOMEGROWN player for a long time.

"Unless the Yankees just plan to be paying big money to baseball AARP members from now until the end of time."

You already know the answer to your question.  That is precisely what the Yankees plan on doing.  The hypothetical gritty youngster approach doesn't usually work out too well.