Could someone explain the different ways that a team having an awful year can benefit from their record in the off season?

I see that in 2002, the Cubs finished with a 67-95 record. The following year, they went 88-74 and we Cubs fans had an exciting year.

What does MLB (Major League Baseball) offer poorly performing teams to make them more competitive the following year?

2002 record 67-95, Finished 5th in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

2003 record 88-74, Finished 1st in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

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2006 record 66-96, Finished 6th in NL Central Division
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/...

2007 record ??-??, Finished ?th in NL Central Division

TV listings for Cubs fans - offseason 2006

Best of Baseball Tonight Web Gem Awards
Fri 10/20 8:00 PM ESPN2
(re-airs at 2am Central time.)
Duration: 1 hour
No Rating
Interests, Sports, Award Show, Baseball, Sports Non-Event

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Viva Baseball
Latin ballplayers impact the game in the United States.
Fri 10/20 9:00 PM SPIKETV
Duration: 2 hours No Rating
Sports, Baseball, Special, Sports Non-Event

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Wait 'Til Next Year: The Saga of the Chicago Cubs
Dedicated fans trace the history of the Chicago Cubs.

HBO Oct13 5am and 5pm repeating program. Check local listings.
Also available via HBO On Demand.

http://www.hbo.com/events/waittillnextye...

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Globe Trekker