The Padres continued to mine the waiver wire for pitchers, signing right-hander Chad Gaudin to a minor league contract with the idea of using him as a starting pitcher, though most of his major league experience is working out of the bullpen. Waived by the Chicago Cubs, Gaudin threw in the bullpen with the Padres yesterday and is expected to join the Triple-A Portland Beavers for a start at Sacramento. Gaudin had a rough spring in the Cactus League, posting a 10.26 ERA in 16 2/3 innings, but his salary kept the Cubs from being able to trade him. The Cubs are responsible for paying Gaudin $1.6 million for 2009.